Dish could pull WAFF 48 from its service soon

DISH Network and Gray Television are in a contract dispute that could lead to WAFF 48 being removed from DISH's service.

DISH Network customers who currently subscribe to WAFF 48, the local NBC affiliate, are facing the potential loss of this channel due to an ongoing contract dispute between DISH and Gray Television, the owner of WAFF 48. The article, dated March 9, 2026, indicates that if a new agreement is not reached by that specific date, WAFF 48 will be removed from DISH's programming lineup. This situation would impact viewers' access to crucial local content, including news, weather forecasts, and sports coverage, as well as popular national NBC programming such as the Olympic Games, Sunday Night Football, and prime-time shows. Gray Television has released a statement asserting its commitment to negotiating in good faith to secure a fair market value for its programming. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that their local stations, which provide essential community services, continue to be accessible to viewers. Such carriage disputes are not uncommon in the pay-TV industry, often leading to temporary 'blackouts' where channels are unavailable until new terms are agreed upon. For affected DISH subscribers, the potential removal means they might need to explore alternative ways to watch WAFF 48 content. Options typically include using an over-the-air antenna to receive the broadcast free of charge, or exploring other streaming services that might carry the channel. Viewers are also encouraged to contact DISH Network directly to voice their concerns and potentially influence the negotiation outcome, as consumer pressure can sometimes play a role in resolving these disputes. This ongoing disagreement highlights the complex relationship between content creators, distributors, and consumers in the modern media landscape.