Scripps-DirecTV Dispute Leaves 54 Local Stations Dark in 36 Markets
A retransmission dispute between Scripps and DirecTV has resulted in 54 local Scripps stations going dark in 36 Nielsen-designated markets as of 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. DirecTV stated that Scripps is demanding the highest rates the company has ever received from a station group, which would raise costs for consumers. In response, Scripps said it has been engaging in good-faith negotiations and that DirecTV removed the stations using heavy-handed tactics. DirecTV noted that Scripps had previously removed 40 stations from Comcast Xfinity in 19 markets starting April 1. The blackout occurs before several primary elections in June and major sports events. Markets affected include Baltimore, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Phoenix, and others.
What’s reported
54 Scripps stations went dark on DirecTV in 36 markets as of 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.
DirecTV accused Scripps of demanding the highest rates it has ever seen from a station group.
Scripps accused DirecTV of removing the stations and using subscribers as bargaining chips.
DirecTV pointed out that Scripps had removed 40 stations from Comcast Xfinity in 19 markets for over a month starting April 1.
The blackout comes before several state and local primary elections in June, the NBA and NHL finals, and the U.S. Open golf tournament.
Affected markets include Baltimore, Boise, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lexington, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, Omaha, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and West Palm Beach.
DirecTV chief content officer Rob Thun said the company is committed to protecting customers from cost increases.
Scripps said it remains committed to a fair resolution and that at stake is access to local journalism, weather alerts, and live sports.
Conflicting accounts
The source article presents conflicting accounts: DirecTV says Scripps is demanding excessively high rates, while Scripps says it negotiated in good faith and DirecTV removed the stations.
Open questions
The source article does not specify which party initiated the blackout or provide details on the specific rate increase Scripps is seeking.
Key figures
Rob Thun, chief content officer at DirecTV
Scripps (company; no individual spokesperson named in the article)
Sources: Variety
