Impasse blocks access to CBS3 on Dish Network

Dish Network subscribers who were planning to watch A Very Grammy Christmas or Late Show with David Letterman were out of luck Friday night, as a standoff between Dish and CBS blocked access to CBS3 (KYW-TV).

The satellite-TV service and the broadcast network have been at an impasse over the CBS Sports Network, according to Dish. CBS3 is one of more than two dozen stations in 18 markets that are no longer available on Dish, the service said. It said more than two million customers were affected.

"We are disappointed that CBS has chosen to black out their local channels, but remain optimistic that the channels will return quickly as both sides are continuing to work tonight to finalize an agreement," Dish said in a statement Friday night.

CBS issued its own statement, Bloomberg News reported, saying in part: "What CBS seeks is appropriate compensation for the most-watched television network with the most popular content in the world, as well as terms that reflect the developing digital marketplace."

Each side has set up a website to argue its case. Dish's is www.dishisonyourside.com, while CBS's is keepcbs.com.

- Inquirer staff