PORTLAND – WMTW-TV announced that is has signed a deal with EchoStar Satellite Corp. to offer local subscribers to the Dish Network the ability to receive WMTW-TV.

Beginning immediately WMTW-TV will be viewable in the Portland/Auburn market via satellite to people who subscribe to Dish Network.

WMTW-TV will continue to be carried over the air and on cable systems. However in areas where cable is not available, or where the over-the-air signal is not received due to geography, being on Dish Network will allow people to be able to see ABC programming, and the local news from News 8 WMTW. While WMTW’s signal will be offered digitally with satellite distribution, WMTW-DT, broadcasting on channel 49, and offering many ABC primetime programs in High Definition, will not be offered on satellite at this time. EchoStar and Dish Network will make a decision on carrying WMTW-DT at a later date.

WMTW-TV is the Hearst/Argyle owned ABC affiliate for Portland/Auburn.