Nexstar’s WPIX in New York and NewsNation are no longer available on cable systems owned by Altice due to a contract disagreement. This has resulted in 63 of Nexstar’s local TV stations going dark in 42 markets across the U.S.
Michael Biard, Nexstar’s president and chief operating officer, expressed frustration with Altice’s demands, stating that they were unreasonable and unprecedented. He mentioned Altice’s financial difficulties, with billions in debt, as a factor in the dispute. Altice, on the other hand, claimed that Nexstar was using anti-consumer tactics by tying local channels to less popular ones, such as NewsNation.
Altice had offered an interim extension during negotiations, but Nexstar declined. The company also faces a carriage dispute with MSG Networks, led by James L. Dolan, in addition to the Nexstar disagreement. Nexstar emphasized that they have been negotiating in good faith since October but found Altice’s demands to be out of line with industry standards.
Carriage disputes between carriers and media companies have become more common as viewers shift towards streaming services. Altice serves various communities in and around the New York metropolitan area, as well as in the southern and midwestern U.S.
It remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved, and whether viewers will be able to access Nexstar’s and NewsNation’s content on Altice’s cable systems in the future. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing situation.
