DirecTV’s subscribers may lose access to all of Tribune’s 23...
DirecTV’s subscribers may lose access to all of Tribune’s 23 TV stations and its cable network WGN America if a looming retransmission consent contract expiration comes to fruition. Tribune’s TV stations in 16 markets began Monday telling the DBS company’s…
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subscribers they may not be able to see those outlets on DirecTV when the retrans deal expires at midnight Saturday, the broadcaster said. “Despite our best efforts, DirecTV is refusing to offer a fair deal and we remain far apart in negotiations,” said President Nils Larsen of Tribune Broadcasting. “As a result of DirecTV’s inflexibility, there’s a strong likelihood that service interruptions will occur.” Tribune has “an obligation to make sure DirecTV subscribers are aware,” Larsen continued. DirecTV expects Tribune will “honor its 165-year history of serving the public interest and allow the stations to remain on as we continue to negotiate,” a spokesman for the DBS company said. “We believe Tribune’s local news and other programming is important to the public, have always compensated Tribune fairly and have no problem continuing to do so. We have absolutely no intention of denying anyone access to these stations, unless Tribune specifically demands it."