How to Determine Which Sports Programs are Blacked Out by Dish Network Satellite TV

Dish Network offers comprehensive sports packages for those interested in sports events. There are also seasonal subscriptions for various championships. Though such subscriptions are a boon for sports lovers, some times, certain events are blacked out. For this, Dish Network is neither responsible nor can it do anything about it.

The broadcasting companies that air these events based on agreements signed with sports teams decide to restrict the transmission. Sometimes, blackouts become imperative in the interest of a team, home markets and program providers.

Such blackouts are game and channel dependent, implying that a blackout on one channel does not necessarily mean complete unavailability of the game. As a result, viewers can watch the game on another channel. Here's how you can find more information about blackouts.

Instructions

1. Use the toll-free number 1-888-284-7116 to call Dish Network customer service and inquire about blackouts.

2. Alternatively, go to the company's web site (www.dishnetwork.com). Select Programming > Sports from the navigation menu located below the company logo. A menu related to sports information and packages appears to the left of the screen.

3. Click Blackout Info for details about blacked sports programs.

Tips & Warnings

• In the event of a blackout, some channels use alternate channels to broadcast a game. For example, alternate channels for some Regional Sports Network (RSN) are channel 445-448. Try catching an RSN game on one of the alternate channels if it's not available on the usual RSN channel. Similarly, ESPN also supports alternate channels.

• A local channel with rights to broadcasting for instance an NBA game may cause non-transmission of that game via the satellite. However, Dish Network customers subscribing to local channels can watch it on the local channel.

• Rarely, a game may be unavailable on all channels. This typically means that it is not being televised at all.