Dish’s ‘Mad Men’ Blackout Threatens to Cost AMC Millions

AMC Networks Inc.’s escalating feud with Dish Network Corp. is increasing the risk of a prolonged blackout of its shows on the satellite provider’s network, potentially costing AMC tens of millions of dollars.

Dish, founded by billionaire Charlie Ergen, said last month that it wouldn’t renew its contract with AMC, which runs out at the end of June, because the company’s four stations -- AMC, We TV, IFC and the Sundance Channel -- had “very limited popular programming.” While talks continue between the two sides, Dish demoted the location of AMC’s channels on the dial early yesterday morning, increasing tensions between the companies.