While Cox and Hearst have reached an impasse in negotiating a renewal retransmission consent agreement, leading the MVPD to drop all Hearst stations at 12:01am today (9/6), Raycom Media has successfully won a second reprieve with AT&T-owned DirecTV as the two parties continue to hammer out a new retrans deal.
In an announcement posted on the websites for Raycom Media stations, including CBS KGMB-5 and NBC KHNL-13 in Honolulu, Raycom said it has reached an extension with DirecTV that keeps it signals on the DBS provider through Tuesday, Sept. 12.
No further comments were offered by Raycom websites; it is a second extension for Raycom, as the first one allowed DirecTV to continuing airing Raycom stations until Sept. 5. The current retrans accord expired Sept. 1.
In a news release published on the website of NBC affiliate WECT-6 in Montgomery, Ala., Raycom said keeping its stations on DirecTV outlets is of great importance, especially now with Hurricane Irma moving South Florida.
“Raycom Media stations are committed to keeping our communities informed and prepared in the days ahead, as Hurricane Irma approaches,” said Raycom President/CEO Pat LaPlatney. “Hurricane Harvey reminds us that local broadcasters are a trusted lifeline during crisis situations. Our local commitment to the safety and well-being of our viewers and consumers on all platforms is our top priority.”
Raycom owns FOX WFLX-29 in West Palm Beach, right in the path of Hurricane Irma. It also owns ABC WWSB-7 in Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla.
Trouble began brewing between Raycom and DirecTV in late August. AT&T-owned DirecTV has not commented on the matter.
The last feud between Raycom and DirecTV was seen exactly three years ago.
