By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on X.
Former editor of Satellite DIRECT magazine. Reported on DIRECTV for 30 years.

TV Answer Man, we are missing our NBC station in the Pittsburgh area. We have DIRECTV and they are fighting with the station. Do you know if they will give us a rebate or cut the price while the channel is gone? — Vicki, Pittsburgh.

Vicki, DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream and U-verse on February 3 lost 14 Cox Media Group-owned local channels in nine markets when the two sides could not reach a new carriage agreement. There’s no indication when the dispute will be settled. But as it has done in other recent fee fights, DIRECTV is offering incentives to customers to stay on board.

“We’re pursuing every avenue to get your station back and continue to offer temporary bill credits to try to make up in some small manner for this very large inconvenience. We know you have a choice among providers and appreciate your patience and continued loyalty. Thank you for being a DIRECTV customer.
To thank you for your patience, until the situation is resolved, we’re offering you a one-time credit of $10,” DIRECTV says.

How Do You Get a Credit From DIRECTV?

At DIRECTV’s TV Promise page, the TV provider says it’s offering a one-time $10 credit to any subscriber who has lost a Cox Media Group-owned local channel. If you input your zip code and DIRECTV service name under the header, Missing Channels?, a pop-up window will provide instructions on how to apply for the credit. DIRECTV says it may take a few months for the credit to show up on your bill so don’t panic it you don’t see it on your next monthly statement.

Some subscribers have said that DIRECTV is offering other benefits such as free antennas (which can be used to watch local channels), Visa gift cards and free premium channels. However, the company is not advertising those perks so, if you want more than a $10 credit, you’ll have to contact it directly and ask for some extras to stop you from canceling. Your chances of getting more than the $10 credit are good now with DIRECTV anxious to keep people from dropping service.

Here are the Cox Media Group network affiliates that have been blacked out on DIRECTV:

(ABC: WSB) – Atlanta, GA
(FOX: WFXT) – Boston, MA
(ABC: WSOC) – Charlotte, NC
(CBS: WHIO) – Dayton, OH
(FOX: KLSR) – Eugene, OR
(FOX: WFOX, CBS, WJAZ) – Jacksonville, FL
(ABC: WFTV) – Orlando, FL
(NBC: WPXI) – Pittsburgh, PA
(CBS: KIRO) – Seattle, WA

The Cox Media Group also owns a few independent channels.

Update: CMG says it doesn’t own the Jacksonville CBS affiliate although it’s listed on its web site: https://www.cmg.com/brands/

The broadcasting group apparently just manages the station so it’s not part of the blackout. 

Vicki, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

Have a question about new TV technologies? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.