DirecTV and Tegna a major station group, have reached a carriage deal, bringing an end to a programming blackout that commenced on November 30. Approximately 5 million customers across the U.S. were affected by the blackout.
The agreement ensures the return of Tegna’s signals to DirecTV satellite systems, DirecTV Stream, and U-verse cable throughout Saturday. The timing aligns with the start of the NFL playoffs this weekend, which may have served as a motivation for both parties to reach a resolution. The anticipated surge in broadcast tune-in, especially after a strong ratings season for the league, likely influenced the swift resolution of the dispute.
In a brief and collaborative statement, both companies expressed their gratitude for the patience of their subscribers and viewers. DirecTV also stated its ongoing commitment to collaborate with station owners and networks to ensure that the price customers pay aligns with the value they receive.
In 2021, AT&T spun off DirecTV into a privately held entity, with 30% ownership by private equity firm TPG. The combined subscriber base of DirecTV’s traditional satellite business, DirecTV Stream, and U-Verse cable is estimated to be nearly 12 million subscribers in the U.S., according to recent analyst estimates. DirecTV and Tegna
The dispute with Tegna impacted about 40% of this subscriber base, with 70% of the affected stations affiliated with either CBS or NBC. Tegna owns 66 stations in 52 markets, including major Designated Market Areas (DMAs) such as Dallas, Phoenix, and Denver.
Tegna faced a setback last spring when a planned takeover by private equity firm Standard General was terminated due to regulatory concerns. The deal, valued at $8.6 billion, including debt, did not materialize. Tegna itself was formed in 2015 after its broadcast operations were separated from the print holdings of Gannett, and the company’s name is a partial anagram of Gannett.