Scripps Pulls 54 Local Stations From DIRECTV After Seeking Record Retransmission Consent Rates
Both sides blamed the other as viewers lost access to local news, weather alerts and live sports on DirecTV.
- On Sunday, May 31, 2026, Scripps Local Media pulled 54 broadcast stations from DirecTV services across 36 Nielsen-designated markets following a failed retransmission consent agreement.
- DirecTV claims Scripps is demanding the "highest rates" it has ever seen, while Scripps states it seeks "fair compensation" to support local journalism and sports rights.
- Viewers in affected cities like Las Vegas, Miami, and Phoenix lost access to local newscasts, June primary election coverage, and live NBA and NHL championship games.
- Rob Thun, chief content officer at DirecTV, urged customers to access content via over-the-air antennas or streaming platforms while the provider works to protect them from cost increases.
- This blackout follows Scripps' removal of 40 stations from Comcast Xfinity in April, highlighting a broader industry trend where rising retransmission fees frequently lead to service disruptions.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Scripps’ 54 Local Stations Go Dark On DirecTV Amid Retransmission Dispute
Programming on Scripps Local Media’s 54 broadcast stations across 36 Nielsen-designated market areas has been suspended beginning at 7 p.m. ET today, as the third-largest operator of ABC affiliates and DirecTV have reached an impasse over retransmission rates with both sides laying blame at each other’s proverbial feet. In a statement, the multichannel distributor said Scripps is “demanding the highest rates DIRECTV has ever received from a st…
DirecTV and Scripps Locked in Retransmission Battle, as 54 Local TV Stations Go Dark on the Service Across 36 Markets
The retransmission battle between Scripps and DirecTV has escalated, with 54 local Scripps stations in 36 Nielsen-designated markets going dark as of 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. Both sides blamed the other for the blackout, which DirecTV noted comes just before several state and local primary elections in June, as well as the upcoming NBA and NHL finals on ABC, and the U.S. Open golf tournament on NBC. DirecTV said Scripps “is is demanding the high…
DIRECTV Loses 52 ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC Stations
E.W. Scripps Local Media removed 54 of its local broadcast television stations from DIRECTV’s satellite, streaming, and U-verse services on Sunday evening, May 31, 2026, after the two companies failed to reach a new retransmission consent agreement. Scripps warned of the blackout last week, but now it has become a reality. The blackout affects viewers […] The post DIRECTV Loses 52 ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC Stations appeared first on Cord Cutters News.
Aspen Daily News
Scripps Pulls 54 Local Stations from DIRECTV After Seeking Record Retransmission Consent Rates
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Scripps Local Media cut off 54 local broadcast stations in 36 Nielsen Designated Market Areas (DMAs) from DIRECTV streaming, satellite, and U-verse customers starting at 7 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 31.…
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