Nexstar-Optimum Broadcast Retransmission Dispute Leads to FCC Complaint by Altice
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an order concerning the unauthorized transfer of control and a violation of Section 310(d) of the Act by Nexstar Media Group, specifically in relation to WPIX New York. The dispute revolves around Nexstar operating WPIX New York under a local management agreement with Mission Broadcasting.
The ongoing retransmission consent negotiations between Nexstar and Altice USA have led to a blackout of 63 Nexstar stations, affecting 42 of Altice's Optimum markets. This includes WPIX New York, which has been a point of contention.
Nexstar's fee demands, if met, would be the highest of any broadcasting group carried on the Optimum lineup. However, Altice has accused Nexstar of demanding exorbitant rate increases and forcing them to pay for less popular programming.
In a recent letter to the FCC, Altice USA has expressed concerns about Nexstar's insistence on handling the negotiations, disregarding the FCC's directive for Altice to negotiate with Mission Broadcasting. Altice has also sought to negotiate with Mission Broadcasting for carriage of WPIX, but Nexstar has persistently asserted its role in the negotiations.
Nexstar has countered Altice's accusations, stating that their claims are questionable due to Altice's unilateral decision to abandon negotiations and put subscribers in a difficult position, as seen in the recent MSG Network blackout. Nexstar accuses Altice of making unreasonable and unprecedented demands, aiming to benefit Altice-owned News12 at the expense of PIX11's proprietary news product.
The FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture against Nexstar in March 2024, proposing a $1.8M fine for violating a 2024 FCC order. However, the current status of the retransmission consent negotiations between Altice USA and Nexstar, particularly regarding WPIX New York, remains unclear.
Retransmission consent disputes are common when a cable/satellite provider and a broadcast station owner fail to agree on terms for carrying the station, sometimes resulting in temporary blackouts affecting viewers. The available search results do not provide specific information on the current status of these negotiations between Altice USA and Nexstar.
For those interested in the latest developments, regulatory filings or industry news may provide updates on this ongoing dispute.
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