North Platte, Neb. – June 6, 2012 – An unresolved issue have blocked DISH customers from accessing their programming in North Platte, demanding DISH accept a massive price increase.

Amid retransmission negotiations, Hoak blocked DISH’s ability to transmit KNOP / KIIT’s content. Hoak is insisting on a rate increase of more than 200 percent and has demanded that DISH eliminate its customer-enabled commercial skipping technology found on its Hopper™ Whole-Home DVRs.

“Dish pulled our signals (KNOP/KIIT) last night at 5pm. This has nothing to do with the Hopper that Dish offers. This is strictly a retransmission consent issue where Dish and Hoak Media, (KNOP/KIIT) are unable, at this point, to come to an agreement. Hoak Media offered an extension that Dish did not take, thus pulling our signals from their satellite systems. Our hope is that this issue can be resolved quickly so KNOP/KIIT can deliver the best in local programming.”  says President and General Manager of KNOP/KIIT-TV Lewys Carlini

DISH no longer has the legal right to carry KNOP / KIIT.

“Our customers pay a lot of money to KNOP / KIIT and Hoak as part of their monthly bills,” said Shull. “We believe customers have the right to watch purchased TV content in any manner they prefer. Why Hoak executives feel they can stop viewers from something they’ve been doing for years is a mystery.”