DIRECTV Retrans Spats, New DISH HD?, Group Urges DTV Delay

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KXJB, the CBS affiliate in Fargo, N.D., said DIRECTV customers in its viewing area may lose the local station if the two sides cannot reach a retransmission consent deal before 5 p.m. Central today. In a statement, DIRECTV said it is in discussions with KXJB in an attempt to negotiate a fair deal, and is willing to keep the station in its lineup while negotiations continue --- According to reports, DISH Network could announce a slate of new high-def channels today at CES. Rumored additions include BET, Comedy Central, CMT, FX, Nickelodeon, some Showtime channels, Speed, Spike TV and VH1 --- Consumers Union urged Congress to consider delaying the Feb. 17 transition from analog to digital TV. In a letter to lawmakers, the group pointed out the government program that subsidizes TV converter boxes has run out of money, and consumers are now on waiting lists for coupons