DISH Network Keeps KWTX Off Its Service Over Unreasonable Demands

Gray Media says DISH has a history of pulling channels and is refusing to honor previously accepted terms.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of remote controls, a satellite dish, and a TV screen displaying the DISH Network logo, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background with sharp, dramatic lighting and deep shadows.The ongoing dispute between DISH Network and local television stations like KWTX highlights the complex power dynamics and corporate strategies behind programming distribution.Waco Today

KWTX, a television station owned by Gray Media, has been pulled off DISH Network's service for over a month. Gray Media says it gave DISH multiple extensions during severe weather and major events, but as soon as those passed, DISH became unwilling to reach an agreement. DISH has a history of removing channels from its lineup, having pulled more than 1,000 channels over the last few years. Gray Media's CEO says DISH is rejecting all proposals and adding more unreasonable terms to its demands.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between television providers and local stations over programming fees and distribution rights. It also showcases DISH's reputation for being willing to drop channels from its service, which can significantly impact viewers' access to local news and programming.

The details

Gray Media says it gave DISH multiple extensions to keep KWTX on its service during severe weather and major events like the NFL playoffs, Super Bowl, and Winter Olympics. However, as soon as those events passed, DISH became unwilling to reach an agreement with Gray. DISH has a history of removing channels from its lineup, having pulled more than 1,000 channels over the last few years.

  • KWTX has been off DISH Network's service for over a month.
  • Gray Media says it gave DISH extensions during severe weather and major events, but DISH became unwilling to reach an agreement after those events passed.

The players

DISH Network

A major satellite television provider in the United States.

Gray Media

The parent company of KWTX, a television station in Waco, Texas.

Hilton Howell

The chairman and CEO of Gray Media.

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What they’re saying

“Disputes like this one with DISH are extremely rare for Gray. Until this year, we had never had a blackout with a satellite provider, and our last large-scale dispute with a cable operator occurred over a decade ago.”

— Hilton Howell, Chairman and CEO of Gray Media

“In response to each of our many attempts to resolve this matter, DISH responds by rejecting all proposals, refusing to honor the terms that it earlier had accepted, and adding more outrageous terms to its demands.”

— Hilton Howell, Chairman and CEO of Gray Media

What’s next

KWTX remains available on other subscription television services, and DISH customers can contact DISH to demand that KWTX be restored to its lineup.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between television providers and local stations over programming fees and distribution rights, as well as DISH's reputation for being willing to drop channels from its service, which can significantly impact viewers' access to local news and programming.