EchoStar Settles With Three Network Affiliate Groups For $100 Million; No Deal With Fox

The second litigation settlement in less than a week for the nice round number of $100 million … One difference: it took EchoStar roughly nine years to reach settlement stage while Apple cut its losses in a matter of months. Another, it doesn’t completely resolve the problem. As we wrote last week, EchoStar was rebuffed in an effort to get an emergency ruling from U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas that would allowed it to continue to serve out-of-market feeds to mostly rural customers. The
next step was an appeal to the full court. Instead, EchoStar has resolved issues with the affiliate groups for ABC, CBS and NBC — it’s amazing what $100 million will do — and will expand markets where broadcast signals can be received directly to 175 from 165. increasing direct competition with cable operators. But, reports WSJ, Fox declined the offer and pulled out of settlement talks. That would be the same Fox owned by News Corp., the majority owner of EchoStar Dish Network competitor DirecTV.
Update: AP: EchoStar also is still facing rulings in favor of TiVo in a patent case. A federal judge in Texas today delayed a counter-suit while the patents EchoStar claims in its countersuit are reviewed. The stay issued last month was finalized without an appeal from EchoStar. In the meantime, a stay in the original suit by TiVo means EchoStar can its DVRs in use.
Related: Legal Blow For EchoStar: Supreme Court Lets Ruling Against Distant-Market Transmission Stand

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