DISH Lines Up Replacements for AMC Networks

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ENGLEWOOD: DISH Network has lined up HDNet Movies, Style and HDNet to replace IFC, WE and AMC this weekend, after its existing carriage contract with AMC Networks expires.

DISH and AMC have been involved in a very public spat about carriage fees. The existing contract expires at 11:59 p.m. EST tomorrow. DISH says it doesn’t want to renew the channels "due to the channels’ high costs compared to their relatively low viewership."

On the replacements, Dave Shull, senior VP of programming for DISH, noted, "HDNet Movies and HDNet are exciting offerings for our customers. These are networks that will bring great entertainment, including first-run, commercial-free movies in high definition to our customers. DISH is the only pay-TV provider that did not raise its core package prices in 2012. We will continue to fight hard for choice, control, and value in home entertainment."

He continued, "A significant portion of any pay-TV bill goes to fees for content providers like AMC Networks. AMC Networks requires us to carry low-rated channels like IFC and WE to access a few popular AMC shows. The math is simple: it’s not a good value for our customers."

DISH also maintains that AMC Networks "has further devalued its programming" by making many of its signature shows available on nonlinear platforms such as iTunes, Netflix and Amazon.com.

Shull concluded: "One of AMC’s biggest historical draws has been movies. However, their performance has been trumped by other DISH movie offerings, including the many thousands of titles available on Blockbuster @Home and from top-quality providers such as HBO, Showtime, Starz, EPIX, MGM HD, IndiePlex, and RetroPlex."

AMC Networks is currently embroiled in a similar spat with AT&T. The disputes come as AMC gears up to launch the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Breaking Bad on July 15.