Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley said that his company still is talking with Dish Network about reinstating carriage of its 20-plus RSNs, which the satellite distributor dropped in July. But it doesn't sound like a deal is imminent. During an earnings call, Ripley said the RSNs would be part of Sinclair's broadcast negotiations. Sources said that Sinclair's broadcast channel deals expire early next year. Ripley: "Either we come to a deal with Dish, or their relevance to the industry will be reduced over time. Dish forgoing the RSNs is the equivalent, from a viewership perspective, of forgoing the top 10 entertainment programs combined" (John Ourand, SBJ Media). CABLEFAX DAILY notes Cox, Charter, AT&T and Media-com have "signed multi-year agreements that include the RSNs, but talks between Sinclair and Dish have proven fruitless." Since Sinclair "can't predict whether or when a carriage deal will be done, it has removed Dish affiliate fees from its forecast." Ripley said that Sinclair "believes the heightened interest in sports betting will increase the value of the RSNs going forward" (CABLEFAX DAILY, 11/7 issue).
