Come Thursday, June 3rd, Dish Network says it will fire up local-to-local in 29 more markets and become the first satellite TV provider to offer local-to-local in all 210 DMAs. The announcement came just after President Barack Obama on Thursday signed the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA) into law.
“We are proud to announce that every American will soon have access to their local channels from Dish Network,” said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, President and CEO of Dish. “While our nearest competitor offers local channels in only 75% of local markets, Dish Network is committed to offering consumers in all markets – particularly those living in smaller and rural communities – a full complement of satellite TV services. All Americans, regardless of where they live, deserve access to key in-state news, sports, weather and other programming.”
On June 3, Dish Network plans to launch local channels in 29 new markets and complete its offering of local-to-local in all 210 markets. The new markets include: Alpena, MI; Biloxi, MS; Binghamton, NY; Bluefield, WV; Bowling Green, KY; Columbus, GA; Elmira, NY; Eureka, CA; Glendive, MT; Greenwood, MS; Harrisonburg, VA; Hattiesburg, MS; Jackson, TN; Jonesboro, AR; Lafayette, IN; Lake Charles, LA; Mankato, MN; North Platte, NE; Ottumwa, IA; Parkersburg, WV; Presque Isle, ME; Salisbury, MD; Springfield, MA; St. Joseph, MO; Utica, NY; Victoria, TX; Watertown, NY; Wheeling, WV; and Zanesville, OH.
