Trending Now - Directv Cuts 54 Scripps Stations Amid Ongoing Dispute
WHO:
Deadline - Scripps Local Media operates 54 broadcast stations.
Variety - DirecTV is the multichannel distributor involved in the dispute.
WHAT:
Cord Cutters News - The contract between Scripps and DirecTV expired at the end of May without renewal.
Cord Cutters News - Scripps owns dozens of ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates.
Cord Cutters News - The blackout affects viewers in 36 Nielsen Designated Market Areas across the country.
Cord Cutters News - The affected stations include 17 ABC affiliates and outlets carrying other major network programming.
Cord Cutters News - Major sporting events at risk of disruption include the NBA Finals games between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the NHL Stanley Cup Final featuring the Golden Knights against the Carolina Hurricanes, and the U.S. Open golf tournament on NBC.
Deadline - Programming on Scripps' 54 broadcast stations has been suspended.
Variety - The blackout affects 54 local Scripps stations across 36 Nielsen-designated markets.
Variety - The blackout occurred as of 7 p.m. ET.
WHERE:
Deadline - The 54 broadcast stations are located across 36 Nielsen-designated market areas.
WHEN:
Deadline - The suspension of programming began at 7 p.m. ET.
Variety - The blackout comes just before several state and local primary elections in June.
WHY:
Cord Cutters News - Scripps sought higher compensation for its programming than DirecTV was willing to pay.
Cord Cutters News - Industry observers note that retransmission fees have risen steadily in recent years as broadcasters leverage local content to secure increased payments from distributors.
Deadline - The dispute is over retransmission rates, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.
Variety - DirecTV noted the timing of the blackout is significant due to upcoming elections and the NBA playoffs.
HOW:
Cord Cutters News - Scripps has emphasized the importance of fair compensation to support local journalism, sports rights, and community programming amid increasing production expenses.
Deadline - The dispute has escalated between Scripps and DirecTV regarding retransmission rates.
(UPDATED June 1, 2026 08:47 UTC)
The contract between Scripps and DirecTV has expired without renewal, leading to a blackout that affects viewers in 36 Nielsen Designated Market Areas across the country, including 17 ABC affiliates and other major network programming. This disruption comes as major sporting events like the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the NHL Stanley Cup Final featuring the Golden Knights against the Carolina Hurricanes, and the U.S. Open golf tournament on NBC are at risk. Scripps has been seeking higher compensation for its programming, citing the need to support local journalism and community programming amid rising production costs.
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(UPDATED June 1, 2026 04:19 UTC)
Programming on Scripps' 54 broadcast stations has been suspended due to an ongoing dispute with DirecTV over retransmission rates. This blackout affects local stations across 36 Nielsen-designated markets and began at 7 p.m. ET, just ahead of several state and local primary elections in June. Both sides are blaming each other for the impasse, which has significant implications given the timing with the upcoming elections and the NBA playoffs.