Originally published January 7, 2009 at 04:48p.m., updated January 7, 2009 at 05:48p.m.

DISH Network brings back KTKA

By Press release

After nearly a week, KTKA 49 ABC is back in the homes of DISH Network customers. DISH Network began rebroadcasting KTKA's signal late Wednesday.

As a result of this new agreement, DISH Network customers will soon be able to receive KTKA's high definition signal for the first time.

"We're very pleased that DISH Network and KTKA were able to work together to find a reasonable solution for both companies that increases the value DISH Network customers receive," said Patrick Knorr, chief operating officer of Free State Communications, LLC that owns KTKA.

DISH Network dropped KTKA from its channel line-up at midnight December 31, 2008 after notifying KTKA that same day that the signal would no longer be carried after the two companies could not reach a new retransmission agreement.

During the week that DISH Network customers went without KTKA, the station heard from many northeast Kansas viewers who were frustrated with the disruption in service.

"We understood the concern of DISH Network's customers but we also had to reach an agreement that was fair to our other distribution partners," Knorr said.

Knorr said he would have preferred for DISH Network to continue to carry KTKA for the duration of negotiations, but he respected DISH Network representatives for wanting to get the best deal for their customers.

Knorr blames a faulty regulatory system for retransmission consent that creates an environment in which customers are put in the middle of negotiations.

KTKA 49 ABC News is owned by Free State Communications, LLC that is a wholly owned subsidiary of The World Company. The World Company is a news and media communications company headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas.

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Comments

mrsselden (anonymous) says...

I'm a Dish Network customer, how exactly am I supposed to watch the 6:00 news for details on the agreement?

January 7, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

catpower (anonymous) says...

I have ktka 49 back on my dish network system. Wonder if I will still get the five dollar credit for the next three months?

January 7, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

stampin35 (anonymous) says...

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its nice to have it up and running again!!

January 7, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jrtdaddy (anonymous) says...

BUY RABBIT EARS OR A GOOD ANTENNA and this will never be a problem again

January 7, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

troubledone (anonymous) says...

Charlie & Ben never looked better. We've missed the ABC/local news more than anything.

January 7, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jmcdowall (anonymous) says...

Thank you to both KTKA and Dish for resolving this issue, I just hope that next year this does not happen again.

January 7, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kathrynks (anonymous) says...

I'm a DISH network viewer and am totally disgusted that once again the consumer bears the brunt of corporate greed.

January 7, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jbrand (JoAnne Brand) says...

To Jrtdaddy, you are correct as far as this situation goes. Rabbit ears or a good antenna could pick up KTKA's analog signal. After February 17, you'll have to add a digital converter box to the antenna. For more information, go to www.ktka.com.

January 7, 2009 at 8:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

derekleeinkc (anonymous) says...

I'm glad to hear that Dish Network will be adding KTKA-HD in the near future. I know they already have WIBW-HD up on the bird.

For those who are wondering, the Topeka local channels in HD will be available for new subscribers with an "Eastern Arc" dish. I've heard from Dish Network that in February they will start to upgrade existing subscribers who call and request it.

January 7, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dustinw82 (anonymous) says...

They're not waiting until Feb. (unless they're just backed up). I called them a few weeks ago and they'll be out tomorrow.

January 8, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )