dailyloe.com – Comcast Xfinity subscribers in Detroit and 18 other markets lost access to local Scripps-owned channels on Wednesday. The blackout followed the expiration of a carriage agreement between Comcast and the E.W. Scripps Company. The disruption affected ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and WMYD-TV (Channel 20) in the Detroit area.
An on-screen message from Xfinity informed viewers the channel was unavailable. It stated Scripps had refused reasonable offers from the cable provider. Xfinity claimed Scripps’s demands would significantly increase consumer prices.
The contract officially expired at 5:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 31. The blackout impacted viewers expecting to watch primetime shows like ‘Will Trent’ and ‘High Potential’. In Miami, the broadcast of a Florida Panthers NHL game was cut off mid-program.
In a statement, Scripps emphasized its public service role for communities. The company said its stations provide critical local reporting and severe weather updates. Scripps stated it had been negotiating in good faith for a fair agreement.
The company expressed hope that Comcast would restore the signals. Scripps argued its programming keeps people safe and connected. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between content owners and cable distributors over carriage fees.
Viewers are left seeking alternative methods to access the affected local channels. These include using digital antennas or streaming services. The blackout underscores the fragility of traditional cable bundle agreements.[]
Source: The Detroit News
