Dish sues Disney

**uncrules** · 08-05-2009 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by Hemi 6.1

Charlie is not that dumb, if he dropped Disney, Espns, that would be the end of E*.

I agree. No way no how E* drops any Disney/ESPN channels.

**MLBurks** · 08-05-2009 08:34 AM

Is there any proof that ESPN (and indeed other networks in similar situations) have been unfair to DISH while being fair to all the rest? It just seems almost inconceivable that DISH constantly get treated unfairly while the rest rarely ever have similar complaints. It just seems to me that at least once a month, DISH has a complaint like this one directed at a particular network.

**Laddyboy** · 08-05-2009 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by MLBurks

Is there any proof that ESPN (and indeed other networks in similar situations) have been unfair to DISH while being fair to all the rest? It just seems almost inconceivable that DISH constantly get treated unfairly while the rest rarely ever have similar complaints. It just seems to me that at least once a month, DISH has a complaint like this one directed at a particular network.

E* had contract language that guaranteed they would have best rates, i.e., no one should be getting a lower rate. Other carriers negotiate contracts with Disney. E* discovers they are not getting the best rates. E* sues. This is pretty typical legal behavior regardless of the industry.

**tedb3rd** · 08-05-2009 10:55 AM

ESPN: People are too much into sports.
Disney: Kids watch too much TV.

Drop the channels. Kids spend MORE time PLAYING sports. Two problems solved: TV prices are less, and fewer kids are overweight.

**Jhon69** · 08-05-2009 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by rad

See
Ergen's Dish files breach of contract suit against Disney's ESPN | Company Town | Los Angeles Times

"Charlie Ergen's satellite broadcaster, Dish Network, a unit of EchoStar, has filed a breach of contract suit against Walt Disney Co.'s cable sports behemoth ESPN.

The suit charges that ESPN gave Comcast Corp. and DirecTV better deals to carry ESPN Classic and ESPNU than it gave Dish and hence had violated a most-favored-nations clause in its contract. Both ESPN Classic and ESPNU are smaller sister networks of ESPN. Dish wants at least $1 million from ESPN, which declined to comment on the suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York."

I wonder what Charlies legal bills are?

Think Dish's mid-year price increase may hold a clue?.

Yes! Dish with 13.1 subscribers should get the same rate as DirecTV with 18.1 subscribers?. You can correct me but I have always seen in business that the more you order the cheaper the rate.So label me confused?.

**rocatman** · 08-05-2009 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by Jhon69

Think Dish's mid-year price increase may hold a clue?.

Yes! Dish with 13.1 subscribers should get the same rate as DirecTV with 18.1 subscribers?. You can correct me but I have always seen in business that the more you order the cheaper the rate.So label me confused?.

If what Dish contends is true that they had it in their contract with ESPN/Disney then it doesn't matter what is typical in business. Besides I have seen where a business charges the same for quantities over a certain amount. Perhaps in this case that certain amount is 10 million subscribers.

**mike123abc** · 08-05-2009 02:58 PM

The deal ends up in court because the 2 deals are probably not exactly the same for different amounts of money. Dish contends DIRECTV is getting a better deal and Dish should be entitled to the same pricing. I am sure ESPN's response will be that it is not the same deal, there are different terms and conditions that have an effect on the pricing so they do not have to cut the price given to Dish.

The judge will have to read both contracts and decided if indeed the most favored nations clause is in effect given the DIRECTV contract.

It could be that DIRECTV entered a contract with a longer term, or agreed to carry and pay for more channels than Dish did. DIRECTV could be qualifying for discounts that ESPN may be giving because of the contract length/channel carriage. ESPN might allow Dish to change to the same contract, but I bet Dish has something that they like in their contract that they do not want to give up and switch.

I doubt it is going to be a simple case.

**daverp** · 08-05-2009 02:59 PM

I guess Dish buys thier leagal services in bulk. It's in the 3rd isle next to the 80lbs bags of dog food.

**rocatman** · 08-05-2009 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by daverp

I guess Dish buys thier leagal services in bulk. It's in the 3rd isle next to the 80lbs bags of dog food.

Volume discount!!!!

**jlo** · 08-05-2009 07:03 PM

first of all, its childish to bicker in front of everyone.

second, dish spend 6 million dollars a month sending out bills. please, whats one million dollars to DISNEY??????!!!! they probably spent one million dollars replacing the tires on the cars in the background of their latest children's series.