KTNV-TV, Channel 13, has returned to DirecTV.
The local ABC affiliate was one of 54 broadcast stations owned by Scripps Local Media that went dark on the satellite provider May 31. At the heart of the dispute were retransmission fees, the money local stations charge TV providers to carry their content.
DirecTV announced Friday evening that a new multiyear agreement would return the affected channels to DirecTV and U-verse customers, effective immediately.
The blackout spanned the NHL Stanley Cup Final, forcing local Golden Knights fans to find other avenues to watch the team, as well as the NBA Finals.
“Consumers should never lose access to essential local television because of a carriage dispute,” Rob Thun, chief content officer at DirecTV, said in a statement. “It’s time to modernize the system so it rewards service to local communities — and not consolidated market power — by returning to the original purpose of broadcasting of putting viewers’ interests first.”
Contact Christopher Lawrence at clawrence@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4567.
