CBS Threatens to Go Dark for Dish Subscribers

Broadcast network sets a Thursday deadline for reaching a deal

CBS has set a deadline for negotiations with Dish Network.

If the sides can't resolve a deal before Thursday evening at 7 p.m. ET, the broadcast network is prepared to go dark for Dish subscribers. The companies previously agreed to an extension of negotiations in November, but a deal has not yet been worked out.

Also read: CBS, Dish Network Agree to Temporary Extension to Avoid Blackout

'In the last few weeks, we have granted two extensions, in the hopes that this would give both parties sufficient time to come to a resolution. The second extension, which protected Dish subscribers' programming over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, was the final one,' CBS said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

'We would very much like to avoid going dark, thereby joining the more than 120 stations Dish has dropped since 2013 alone,' the broadcast company continued. 'Unless agreements are reached, however, our viewers should be prepared to lose CBS from their Dish systems on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM/ET.'

Previously the broadcast company has accused Dish Network of 'dragging its feet.'

Also read: CBS Attacks Dish for 'Dragging its Feet' as Carriage Deadline Nears

Read CBS's full statement below:

'For six months, CBS has been vigorously attempting to secure fair carriage deals with Dish. During that time, Dish has clearly not been operating with the same sense of urgency,' the broadcast network wrote. 'In the last few weeks, we have granted two extensions, in the hopes that this would give both parties sufficient time to come to a resolution. The second extension, which protected Dish subscribers' programming over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, was the final one. We would very much like to avoid going dark, thereby joining the more than 120 stations Dish has dropped since 2013 alone. Unless agreements are reached, however, our viewers should be prepared to lose CBS from their Dish systems on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM/ET.'