Scripps Stations Return to DirecTV After 5-Week Blackout

Scripps Local Media's 54 broadcast stations returned to DirecTV on Friday, ending a five-week blackout that began on October 1, 2023. The companies announced they have reached a multiyear carriage agreement, resolving a dispute over retransmission fees. This agreement allows DirecTV and DirecTV Stream customers to once again access Scripps' local news and programming.

The blackout impacted viewers in major markets across the United States, including Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, Nashville, and Phoenix. The dispute centered on the fees Scripps sought for the right to carry its local channels on DirecTV's platforms. Such carriage disputes are common in the pay-TV industry, often leading to temporary service interruptions for subscribers.

While the specific financial terms of the new multiyear deal were not disclosed, the resolution ensures the continued availability of Scripps' content for DirecTV subscribers. The company operates local news stations affiliated with major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX in these 54 markets. The return of these stations marks a significant development for both Scripps and DirecTV, as well as for the millions of viewers who rely on these local channels for news and entertainment.