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."

"A significant portion of any pay-TV bill goes to fees for content providers like AMC Networks. "AMC Networks requires us to carry low-rated channels like IFC and WE to access a few popular AMC shows.

The math is simple: it‘s not a good value for our customers," added Shull.

AMC Networks has further devalued its programming by making its handful of shows available to consumers via iTunes, Netflix and Amazon.com.

"One of AMC‘s biggest historical draws has been movies. However, their performance has been trumped by other DISH movie offerings, including the many thousands of titles available on Blockbuster @Home and from top-quality providers such as HBO, Showtime, Starz, EPIX, MGM HD, IndiePlex, and RetroPlex," Shull said.