Sept 8 (Reuters) - Dish Network (DISH.O) said on Friday U.S.-based Hearst Television removed customer access to 37 local channels in 27 markets after the companies failed to agree on distribution rates despite months of talks. "Hearst is demanding tens of millions of dollars in rate increases that would affect customers," Dish said, adding that Hearst expects Dish and its customers to foot the bill. In a message to Dish subscribers, Hearst Television said, "We have made significant investments to deliver top-tier programming to our viewers and Dish is seeking the right to carry our stations at below market rates, which is neither fair nor reasonable." Dish said the move affects viewers of ABC and NBC, among other channels. Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri, Shilpi Majumdar and Devika SyamnathOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

---

Persons: Hearst, Gary Schanman, Akash Sriram, Krishna Chandra Eluri, Shilpi Majumdar, Devika Organizations: Dish, U.S, Hearst Television, Disney, Charter Communications, Hearst, ABC, NBC, Thomson Locations: Bengaluru