KTTW, DirecTV dispute drags on

For the second consecutive weekend, Sioux Falls-area DirecTV customers won’t be able to watch NFL playoff games and other programming aired on Fox affiliate KTTW-TV.

The station, which is locally owned, and DirecTV has been in a dispute over their contract since Jan. 7.

“Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence in today’s world,” KTTW said in a statement on Jan. 14.

“It seems we have to endure this process once every two or three years … Unfortunately, some of the big conglomerates seem to think that nothing matters but their bottom lines. As a small, locally owned broadcaster, it is often hard for us to go against these powerful companies, yet we have no choice if we want to continue to bring you your favorite sports and entertainment programming.”

A message being aired on DirecTV says the owner of the channel has removed it from the lineup.

It directs subscribers to tbe website www.directvpromise.com where the company has a statement.

“When contract disputes arise over station owners’ unnecessary increases in what you should pay for these free over-the-air stations, DirecTV will never remove them from your lineup. Period. Station owners may try to avoid their responsibilities to you, but make no mistake: the station owners are the only ones who can decide to take away your local stations,” DirecTV said.

“Fewer people watch shows on local stations than ever before, but broadcasters continue to demand everyone pay more to get the few shows they do watch. “

In a Facebook post today, KTTW said it had hoped to have discussions with DirecTV today with the hope of resolving the agreement in time to air NFL playoffs.

“However, they have refused to schedule a call with our designated negotiator,” KTTW said. “We are open and willing to work this out in a fair and timely manner.”

DirecTV also has disputes currently in four other markets, including Mankato, Minn.

“It is similar to David and Goliath,” KTTW said.

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KTTW, DirecTV dispute drags on

For the second consecutive weekend, Sioux Falls-area DirecTV customers won’t be able to watch NFL playoff games and other programming aired on Fox affiliate KTTW-TV.

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