DirecTV Blackout Hits 54 Local Stations Amid Scripps Carriage Dispute

On May 31 2026, DirecTV’s service lost 54 local broadcast stations in 36 U.S. markets after its carriage contract with Scripps Local Media expired, leaving viewers in cities such as Buffalo, Las Vegas, Detroit and Tampa-St. Petersburg unable to watch Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

DirecTV blackout hits Stanley Cup Final viewers, driving Abc Streaming searches — Mogaz

The dispute follows a prior Scripps removal of 40 stations from Comcast Xfinity in 19 markets on April 1 2026, marking a pattern of stalled retransmission talks. The standoff escalated after Scripps withdrew its stations from the platform.

DirecTV loses 54 local stations across 36 US markets in Scripps dispute

Scripps CEO Adam Symson and DirecTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun lead negotiations.

Adam Symson Says Abc Streaming Blackout Hit 54 Stations in 36 Markets

The blackout affects 54 stations, 36 markets, spanning the Midwest, South, West and Northeast, including 17 ABC affiliates owned by Scripps. Markets include Buffalo, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Boise, Lexington, Omaha and West Palm Beach.

DirecTV loses 54 local stations across 36 US markets in Scripps dispute

The outage coincides with the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, the upcoming NBA Finals and the U.S. Open, and it blocks local news, weather alerts, emergency information and voter guidance ahead of June primary elections in the affected states, affecting millions of subscribers across the nation.

DirecTV loses 54 local stations across 36 US markets in Scripps dispute

DirecTV says Scripps demanded the highest rates ever received from a station group, which would raise costs for consumers. The provider stresses its duty to protect customers from “indiscriminate and unnecessary cost increases.” Scripps counters that it is negotiating in good faith and warns the dispute threatens local journalism and sports. Scripps also accuses DirecTV of using subscribers as bargaining chips.

DirecTV loses 54 local stations across 36 US markets in Scripps dispute

Buffalo viewers were forced to switch to streaming apps mid-game after the broadcast vanished.

DirecTV blackout hits Stanley Cup Final viewers, driving Abc Streaming searches — Mogaz

Each side blames the other; independent rate verification is unavailable.

Adam Symson Says Abc Streaming Blackout Hit 54 Stations in 36 Markets

• “They’re run by private equity.” — Adam Symson, CEO, Scripps

Adam Symson Says Abc Streaming Blackout Hit 54 Stations in 36 Markets

• “He added, “They have MBAs running the numbers.” — Adam Symson, CEO, Scripps

Adam Symson Says Abc Streaming Blackout Hit 54 Stations in 36 Markets

• “They have MBAs running the numbers. I don’t really think they care about the work we do in the local communities and that local people actually rely on, whether it’s local news or local sports.” — Adam Symson, CEO, Scripps

Adam Symson Says Abc Streaming Blackout Hit 54 Stations in 36 Markets

• “Unfortunately, Scripps is demanding the highest rates we have ever seen for programming that remains available for free over-the-air and through many station, network, and third-party streaming apps. We remain committed to protecting customers from indiscriminate and unnecessary cost increases for less popular programming while still working to restore the stations that many viewers rely on.” — Rob Thun, Chief Content Officer, DirecTV

DirecTV loses 54 local stations across 36 US markets in Scripps dispute

• “At stake is our viewers’ fundamental access to trusted local journalism, critical weather alerts, emergency information and live sports programming that strengthens community bonds — all essential public interest content in which Scripps invests substantially every day.” — Scripps statement

DirecTV loses 54 local stations across 36 US markets in Scripps dispute

Negotiations continue; restoration before the NBA Finals is hoped but not confirmed.

DirecTV loses 54 local stations across 36 US markets in Scripps dispute