DirecTV-Scripps Contract Dispute Continues Into June, Affecting 40 Markets
A contract and carriage fee dispute between DirecTV and The E.W. Scripps Company has left subscribers in nearly 40 markets without access to local Scripps-owned ABC and NBC affiliates since June. The blackout affects major cities including Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, and Phoenix, and coincides with major sporting events like the NBA and NHL finals on ABC and the U.S. Open on NBC. Scripps has recommended alternative streaming services including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo, as well as over-the-air antennas.
A contract dispute between DirecTV and The E.W. Scripps Company has resulted in a blackout affecting subscribers in nearly 40 markets across the country, with major cities including Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Phoenix losing access to local ABC and NBC affiliates. The timing of the dispute is particularly significant as it coincides with major sporting events—the NBA and NHL finals on ABC and the U.S. Open golf tournament on NBC—in addition to regular broadcast programming. DirecTV claims Scripps is demanding the highest carriage fees the company has ever paid to a station group, while Scripps counters that DirecTV is using subscribers as bargaining chips in negotiations. In response, Scripps has directed affected viewers to alternative options including YouTube TV (starting at $67.99/month for the first five months), Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month), Fubo ($48.99/month for the Pro plan), and over-the-air antennas that can receive local broadcast signals.
What's missing
The article does not specify when the blackout began or provide details on the specific contract terms being negotiated, such as the exact fee amounts being disputed or the duration of the proposed agreement.
What different sources said
- VarietyCenter
As Impasse With DirecTV Continues, Scripps Directs Viewers to These 3 ‘Other Streaming and Cable Services’
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