Nexstar-Controlled Mission Broadcasting Pulls 25 Stations from DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and U-verse Customers

Nexstar’s Third Simultaneous Blackout Follows White Knight Broadcasting Removing its NBC and FOX Affiliates from DIRECTV Services on Oct. 7

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Television Alliance (ATVA) today issued a statement responding to Mission Broadcasting, controlled by Nexstar Media Group, blacking out 25 stations across 23 media markets after failing to reach a retransmission consent agreement with DIRECTV.

“This is now the third ongoing TV blackout in as many weeks from Nexstar,” said ATVA spokesperson Jessica Kendust. “Nexstar’s behind-the-scenes manipulation of three simultaneous negotiations has resulted in a significant loss of stations across the country, including major college and NFL football and postseason baseball games.”

Within the past two weeks, Nexstar has pulled all of its local stations and NewsNation from Verizon FIOS customers, while White Knight Broadcasting, also controlled by Nexstar, pulled its NBC affiliate in Baton Rouge, LA, and FOX affiliate in Tyler, TX from DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and U-verse customers after demanding exponential increases in retransmission consent fees.

“When massive conglomerate broadcasters like Nexstar use their power and influence to corner the market through sham management agreements with smaller broadcasters, consumers experience more frequent TV blackouts and see their monthly bills increase. It’s time for Congress to reform outdated TV laws and put an end to this predatory practice.”

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The American Television Alliance (ATVA) brings together an unprecedented coalition of consumer groups, cable, satellite, telephone companies, and independent programmers to raise awareness about the risk TV viewers face as broadcasters increasingly threaten service disruptions that would deny viewers access to the programs they and their families enjoy.