As of 5:00 pm on Monday, June 15, WBNS-TV was removed from the Dish Network channel lineup. We are working hard to reach a fair agreement with DISH Network, but they have shown little to no interest in resolving this situation. DISH has not responded to Dispatch Broadcasting’s latest offer, which was made over ONE WEEK AGO. Our programming will continue to be available on a free over-the-air basis through a television antenna, as well as through AT&T U-verse, WOW, DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and most other cable systems in and around central Ohio.
HOW TO WATCH WBNS-TV OVER THE AIR
WBNS 10TV(as well as 10.2) programming can be received for free over the air with an antenna. If you want to pick up WBNS for free over the air using an antenna with your HDTV or digital converter box/receiver, here are a few tips:
- If you are within approximately 20 miles of WBNS’s broadcast tower near downtown Columbus, you may be able to use an indoor antenna for reception. WBNS’s signal is in the UHF band so you’ll need a UHF antenna.
- Beyond about 15-20 miles an attic or outdoor antenna works best.
- If you need further advice or assistance with free over the air reception please e-mail WBNS Engineering through the “contact us” page and we’ll be happy to help.
LIST OF COLUMBUS CABLE TV PROVIDERS:
Time Warner Cable: 1-800-892-4357
WOW!: 1-866-496-9669
ATT U-Verse: 1-888-366-7064
DirecTV: 1-855-833-4388
Frequently Asked Questions
To help clear up some of the misconceptions, WBNS has put together some answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Q: What’s the latest?
A: We are still working hard to reach a fair agreement with DISH Network, but they have shown little to no interest in resolving this situation. DISH took over a week to respond to our last offer. Unfortunately, now may be the time to consider switching providers.
Q: What’s happened?
A: The deadline to come to a fair agreement between DISH and WBNS has passed, therefore WBNS has been removed from the DISH Network lineup. Please know we are working hard to reach a fair agreement and our sincere hope is to have a reasonable and fair deal in place as soon as possible. You have our promise that we will continue to make this a top priority.
Q: To whom can I call to complain?
A: We have set up an easy phone line that will direct you to a Dish Network representative. It is important that you have available the 10 digit phone number associated with the account, or the 16 digit account number associated with the account. 1-844-I-WANT-10 (844-492-6810)
Q: If your signal is free, why are you charging DISH Network?
A: Local TV stations invest tens of millions of dollars each year to produce programming and maintain the systems to transmit that programming. Congress passed a law many years ago requiring cable companies, and later satellite companies, to negotiate compensation and other terms with local TV stations when they want to resell those stations as a part of their pay TV packages. That is at the core of this dispute. In addition, our networks seek guaranteed payment from these fees, with the expectation that we are paid fair market value.
Q: Are you seeking massive increases?
A: Claims of massive increases can be misleading. WBNS simply seeks a fair market rate that is comparable to what DISH Network pays other broadcast groups.
Q: When will this be settled?
A: Our sincere hope is to have a reasonable and fair deal in place as soon as possible. You have our promise that we will continue to make this a top priority.
