Hearst, Cox and MVPD Ally Criticize Other Side for Blackout Amidst Hurricane Irma
Cox Communications and Hearst are criticizing one another for a carriage impasse affecting stations in five markets -- two of them in hurricane country. An impasse in talks meant Hearst's WDSU New Orleans; Florida's WESH Daytona Beach and WKCF Clermont;…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
KOCO-TV Oklahoma City; KETV Omaha; and Arkansas' KHBS Fort Smith and KHOG-TV Fayetteville weren't carried by Cox as of Tuesday. The American TV Alliance Wednesday criticized Hearst "for threatening public safety" in the Orlando and New Orleans areas given the approach of Hurricane Irma. “Hearst is putting profits before public safety," it said in a statement. Cox in a statement said Hearst pulled its signal, unsuccessfully demanding "double the price we currently pay," and said it was the third time this year Hearst pulled its programming from an MVPD. Cox said Hearst was demanding higher prices than Cox pays any other station, and when it asked for a two-week extension to finish negotiations, the broadcaster declined. Hearst said it gave Cox a five-day extension in hopes of concluding retrans talks by the Sept. 5 deadline, and offered an additional three-day extension, but Cox refused. “We are disappointed that Cox has refused our customary offer to extend our agreement, especially during this period of severe weather,” said Hearst TV President Jordan Wertlieb. Hearst said Cox is offering "below-market rates, which is neither fair nor reasonable."