(2 July 2012 2:28 pm)

MUMBAI: US pay TV service provider Dish will replace three AMC Networks channels -- IFC, WE and AMC -- tomorrow with what the company believes is stronger movie and entertainment content.

Dish will be providing HDNet Movies to replace AMC, and is offering Style and HDNet to replace WE and IFC. This follows the expiry of AMC's contract.

Dish had argued that AMC was asking for a high renewal
rate.

Dish senior VP of programming Dave Shull said, "HDNet Movies and HDNet are exciting offerings for our customers. These are networks that will bring great entertainment, including first-run, commercial-free movies in high definition to our customers. DISH is the only pay-TV provider that did not raise its core package prices in 2012. We will continue to fight hard for choice, control, and value in home entertainment."

Dish notified AMC Networks earlier in the year of its decision not to renew its contract due to the channels' high costs compared to their relatively low viewership.

Dish's actions come as AT&T and AMC Networks negotiate over what AT&T this week called an "excessive rate increase."