CBS and Dish Network settle contract dispute, ending brief programming blackout in 18 markets

CBS Corp. and TV provider Dish Network Corp. say they have reached an agreement that ends a contract dispute that led to a short programming blackout in 18 local markets.

CBS had blocked Dish from carrying the local channels of CBS-owned TV stations for a brief time Friday night because of the contract dispute. In a joint statement Saturday, the two companies say they have reached a multiyear deal that will allow Dish to carry CBS-owned TV stations nationwide as well as various cable channels including the CBS Sports Network.

The statement says Dish will get the rights to deliver Showtime programming on mobile devices. The companies say the agreement will result in the dismissal of pending litigation between them.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.