DirecTV and Nexstar Media Group have agreed a deal that will see Nexstar-owned channels returning to DirecTV and DirecTV Stream. However, this agreement doesn’t mark the end of the dispute, and the channels are only being restored on a temporary basis for now.
Earlier this year, DirecTV and DirecTV Stream subscribers lost access to a variety of television stations, including NewsNation and Nexstar-controlled ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and CW in select markets. Since then, the two have been locked in a dispute, with DirecTV accusing Nexstar of holding the channels hostage.
The two companies appear to have now taken a major step towards an agreement and have even announced a temporary resolution which will benefit customers. The joint statement is extremely short and doesn’t provide much in the way of detail but does confirm Nexstar-owned television stations and NewsNation will “temporarily return” to DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and U-verse.
“In recognition and appreciation of the continued patience of DIRECTV customers and Nexstar viewers, the companies have agreed to temporarily return the signals of the Nexstar-owned television stations and national cable news network NewsNation to DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and U-verse while we both work to complete the terms of an agreement.”
While this is only a temporary solution, it is still a highly positive step and does suggest that a deal will ultimately be done. When exactly is another matter but, assuming there are no further major developments, DirecTV and DirecTV Stream subscribers will have access to the affected channels in the meantime.
This will be particularly positive news for football fans considering a number of NFL games are broadcast in select areas on CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates owned by Nexstar.
