WMUR parent company chief blasts DISH network over Channel 9 outage

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Hearst Television's chief blasted DISH network on Monday, blaming the impasse on the satellite provider and calling it "a strategic orchestrated attempt to cause programming outages."

DISH has blacked out WMUR of Manchester, N.H., to local subscribers, frustrating many who rely on the Granite State's only statewide television outlet for their local news and programming.

WMUR and other Hearst Television stations have posted frequently asked questions (FAQs) on their website in an effort to keep subscribers informed of the prolonged and contentious negotiations.

"As part of our continuing efforts to keep viewers informed about the facts and misconceptions concerning our negotiation with DISH, we're providing these FAQs," said Jordan Wertlieb, Hearst Television president in a Monday press release. "By providing this information, our goal is to give viewers the truth they deserve and to reveal what is clearly a strategic orchestrated attempt to cause programming outages."

The news release goes on to report that DISH has been responsible for more than 450 local broadcast station outages since 2011, and more than all other pay-TV providers combined since 2015.

"We encourage our viewers to contact DISH to ask them to return WMUR," said WMUR President & General Manager Jeff Bartlett. "Also, while DISH is not required to offer a credit, we have heard from some of our viewers that DISH is offering a credit or additional programming at no charge for a period of time in lieu of WMUR being available," Bartlett added.