A retransmission dispute between DirecTV and Scripps has led to 54 local Scripps-owned TV stations going dark on DirecTV as of 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The blackout affects 36 Nielsen-designated markets across the United States, leaving viewers without access to Scripps channels including ABC, NBC, and other affiliates. The conflict centers on carriage fees, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.
directv and scripps are in a retransmission standoff that pulled 54 local stations off the air in 36 markets as of sunday night. viewers in those areas lost access to scripps-owned abc, nbc, and other affiliates. both sides are pointing fingers over fees.
This blackout underscores the ongoing tension between pay-TV providers and broadcast station owners over retransmission consent fees. With 54 stations affected, it is one of the larger blackouts in recent years, impacting millions of viewers. The outcome could set a precedent for future negotiations between distributors and station groups, especially as cord-cutting accelerates and leverage shifts.
this is a big one — 54 stations going dark is a lot of leverage in the retransmission game. it shows how pay-tv and broadcasters are still fighting over fees even as streaming eats their lunch. the resolution could ripple through future deals.
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