INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Comcast Xfinity customers in Sebastian and Vero Beach lost access to local television channels late Tuesday after the cable provider’s contract with Scripps expired without a new deal.
Viewers who tried to tune into stations like WPTV saw a blue screen with a message blaming the broadcaster. “Our contract with Scripps, the owner of this channel, has expired,” it read. “Scripps has refused our reasonable offers, and their demands would significantly increase the price you pay.”
The disruption started Tuesday evening and lingered into Wednesday morning. WPTV, which serves the Treasure Coast, said this was only the second time in the station’s history it had been blacked out by a cable or satellite provider.
“We apologize for the disruption of service for Comcast Xfinity subscribers. If you are experiencing a blackout, please contact Comcast at 1-800-934-6489,” WPTV said.
The station suggested viewers try an over-the-air antenna, YouTube TV or DirecTV. Many people in Indian River County are streaming Hulu without interruption.
Scripps said it had been bargaining in good faith. In a statement on its website, the company expressed hope that Comcast would quickly restore the signals “so we can continue to serve their customers.”
Xfinity subscribers can still watch Scripps local news and sports on the stations’ websites, streaming apps or with other cable and satellite providers. Those still without service should call Comcast at 1-800-934-6489.
The blackout is the latest example of the frequent fights between cable companies and station owners over what viewers ultimately pay for local programming. Neither side immediately returned messages seeking further comment Wednesday.
