Nexstar Pulls Signal from Verizon Fios Customers in Major Markets

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, ATVA issued a statement responding to the Nexstar blackout of Verizon Fios customers in Washington D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, Buffalo, and Norfolk.

“History has shown that football season usually signals the height of broadcast blackout season – and this year is no exception,” stated ATVA spokesperson, Jessica Kendust. “This blackout means local sports fans could miss some of the season’s biggest events – including major NFL games and the World Series. Unfortunately, broadcasters’ repeat station blackouts in order to price-gouge American television consumers have become routine. It’s time for our policymakers to put an end to this predatory practice by advancing consumer-friendly broadcast distribution reforms.”

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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.