Tribune and Charter Reach Carriage Deal, Ending Blackout for 6 Million Subscribers
Tribune Media outlets have been restored on Charter Communications cable systems after the sides came to terms on a new carriage deal covering 33 stations and WGN America.
Tribune stations went dark shortly after 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 2 after the sides failed to reach an agreement against a Dec. 31 expiration deadline, which was extended by 48 hours on New Year’s Eve. The blackout affected such large markets as New York, Los Angeles and Dallas.
Related stories
Tribune Media Stations Go Dark on Charter Communications Systems
Tribune, Charter Avert New Year's Day Shutdown With Contract Extension
Tribune and Charter Spar as New Year's Eve Contract Deadline Approaches
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement that will return Tribune Broadcasting’s local television stations and WGN America to Spectrum customers and Tribune’s viewers,” the sides said in a joint statement.
The shutdown spread across 27 markets and about 6 million subscribers in Charter’s footprint. The sides battled over everything from the rate Charter pays for the stations to the length of the term for the deal.
Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts!
Solve the daily Crossword
