DirecTV and Cox Media Group are currently in negotiations that could potentially lead to a blackout of Cox’s 14 owned local TV stations across nine markets, including major affiliates such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo, and MyNetworkTV. This programming blackout, anticipated to take effect as early as midnight on Feb. 2, could impact over a million households, coinciding with the upcoming Super Bowl.

The standoff arises as the two parties strive to finalize a new retransmission consent agreement. Cox Media Group criticized DirecTV for its repetitive and prolonged station drops, expressing concerns about the potential impact on local journalism and broadcast stations. The company emphasized the significance of local broadcast stations, particularly in delivering local news, emergency information, and consumer protection within communities.

Executive Vice President of Cox Media Group, Marian Pittman, voiced dismay over DirecTV’s alleged attempt to strike a deal that could negatively affect local journalism and broadcast stations, ultimately impacting consumers who rely on high-quality local news, weather, and entertainment programming.

Cox highlighted the popularity of local broadcast stations among DirecTV’s audience and urged the satellite TV provider not to deprive customers of essential news, sports, and entertainment programming. Additionally, the company encouraged concerned viewers to contact DirecTV and consider alternative service providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Verizon/FIOS TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu+Live TV, to avoid potential disruptions.

In response, DirecTV emphasized its commitment to reaching an agreement that aligns the value and quality of services with the price paid by customers. The company urged Cox Media Group not to impose unwarranted rate increases on viewers, arguing that the content is readily available through local station websites, over-the-air digital antennas, and direct-to-consumer streaming platforms.

DirecTV highlighted Cox Media Group’s authority in providing or withholding its signals, citing previous instances of signal withdrawal across multiple distributors. The company underscored that Cox has been in a dispute with Dish since Nov. 28, 2022, and has issued threats or withdrawn stations from other providers.