Local NBC, CBS affiliates pulled from Spectrum Blackout
Many perplexed customers were greeted on Friday evening with a notification from cable provider Spectrum that NBC and CBS programming has been pulled.
A statement on the Spectrum website explains that this is occurring while an agreement is being negotiated with Northwest Broadcasting, which owns the local channels.
“Northwest Broadcasting, the owner of some local networks, has removed their programming from Spectrum to create hardship for our customers, while we are negotiating in good faith to reach a fair agreement,” a statement on the Spectrum website reads.
According to the Spectrum website, Northwest is “demanding” a fee increase in programming fees of over 75 percent.
Spectrum is one of the few cable providers in Yuma.
Northwest Broadcasting could not be reached for comment.
Those who have Spectrum TV service in Imperial County, the city of Yuma, Yuma County, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Yuma Proving Ground, the city of San Luis and the city of Somerton may be affected.
The announcement came days before Super Bowl Sunday, leaving many wondering where they were going to watch the game.
“So Spectrum removed NBC and are in negotiations-how are you going to watch the Super Bowl?” wrote Yuman Renee Rodriguez in a Facebook post.
Spectrum suggests on their website that those who still wish to tune in to NBC can “watch NBC free with a TV antenna.” The cable company also states the Super Bowl can be watched on NBCSports. com, with the NBC Sports App or with the NFL Mobile App.
Spectrum lists the following channels as impacted by the breakdown in negotiations: • KSWT — CBS Channel 13 Loss of service • KSWT — CBS HD Channel 1209 Loss of service • KSWT — Estrella TV Channel 80 & 1256 Loss of service • KYMA — NBC Channel 11 • KYMA — NBC HD Channel 1203 Loss of service The point of contacted listed on the Spectrum website is station manager Dave Miller by calling (928) 782-5113 or emailing Dave. Miller@KECYTV.com.
To reach Spectrum, call 1-800-892-4357.
Northwest Broadcast can also be called at (517) 3474141.