The virtual MVPD is the target of calls on Capitol Hill and from broadcast network television station affiliate owners for retransmission consent fees similar to what traditional cable TV providers have enjoyed for years.
Just how is the direct broadcast satellite business doing, as cord-cutting has accelerated the shift to the “vMVPD”? Net pay TV subscriber decreases were higher year-over-year for DISH Network. But, other business components helped the company led by Charlie Ergen — for now, given the news that EchoStar and DISH are merging — beat Wall Street forecasts with its Q2 2023 earnings per share.
