Broadcasters Set New TV Blackout Record
More Markets Already Blacked Out in 2013 than All of 2012
Washington D.C. October 1, 2013 – Following Media General’s decision to take down programming from DISH subscribers in 17 markets overnight, television broadcasters have already surpassed last year’s record-breaking year for blackouts. With two months to go, TV consumers have already been subjected to 101 blackouts in 2013, versus 91 in 2012 and 51 in 2011.
The blackout problem clearly continues to get worse while broadcasters’ retransmission consent revenues skyrocket. How much longer will Americans be subjected to this broken system before Congress updates our video rules for the 21st Century?
Stations affected: WVTM-NBC in Birmingham, AL; WKRG-CBS in Mobile, AL-Pensacola, FL; WFLA-NBC in Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL; WJBF-ABC in Augusta, GA; WRBL-CBS in Columbus, GA; WSAV-NBC in Savannah, GA; WHLT-CBS in Hattiesburg, MS; WJTV-CBS in Jackson, MS; WNCT-CBS and WNCTD-CW in Greenville, NC; WNCN-NBC in Raleigh-Durham, NC; WCBD-NBC and WCBDD-CW in Charleston, SC; WBTW-CBS in Florence-Myrtle Beach, SC; WSPA-CBS and WYCW-CW in Greenville, SC; WJAR-NBC in Providence, RI; WJHL-CBS in Tri-Cities, TN area; WCMH-NBC in Columbus, OH; and WSLS-NBC in Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA.