The Networks of Mid-Missouri Dropped from DirecTV Channel Lineup
Thursday marks one week that KMIZ and KQFX have been dark on DIRECTV’s system. As a result local DIRECTV subscribers have lost access to the stations’ programming with DIRECTV. Contract negotiations between KMIZ and KQFX’s parent company and DIRECTV have continued, but remain stalled.
DIRECTV marks up the price it pays for local broadcast signals and re-sells those signals to its subscribers. KMIZ, of course, must pay top dollar in a competitive market for its award winning local news, weather, and sports along with top-notch network and syndicated programming. The core dispute between DIRECTV and the station involves the price DIRECTV is willing to pay the station for the right to re-sell the station’s signal. KMIZ’s parent company, News-Press & Gazette (NPG), has successfully negotiated and renewed carriage agreements with 10 separate cable and satellite companies over the last three months with no service disruption.
It is NPG’s hope the current impasse will be resolved and the disruption in service for DIRECTV’s subscribers will end. We will keep you informed of the progress of the negotiations. In the interim, however, you may wish to make plans for an alternative means of receiving the Station. Please click here to review frequently asked questions by viewers subjected to DIRECTV’s service interruption. Viewers are also encouraged to call DIRECTV’s customer service line at 800-531-5000.
Despite the dispute, KMIZ and KQFX programming will continue to be available from Dish Network, Centurylink, Mediacom and for free, over the air.
