Verizon Fios customers in three major markets face sports blackouts as a carriage dispute with Cox Media Group enters its third week, leaving viewers scrambling for alternatives during critical NFL matchups.
The contract dispute began December 15 when Verizon cut Cox-owned channels from its lineup, affecting Boston, Providence, and Pittsburgh markets. Boston and Providence customers lost access to WFXT-Fox channels, while Pittsburgh subscribers lost WPXI-NBC programming.
Sunday's Patriots-Jets game marked the first major NFL broadcast affected by the blackout, with Verizon Fios customers unable to watch Fox's exclusive coverage. The timing is particularly problematic as Fox holds broadcasting rights for Patriots games throughout the season.
Verizon claims Cox Media Group is demanding "unreasonable and unfair" rate increases that would force customer bills higher. "We have been in extensive negotiations with Cox Media Group to reach a new agreement that is fair and keeps your bill from increasing unreasonably," a Verizon spokesperson said.
Cox Media Group counters that Verizon dropped Boston 25 from its lineup after refusing multiple offers to extend negotiations. "Verizon/Fios should stop holding its own customers hostage in its attempts to harm local journalism," said Todd Brown, Boston 25 vice president and general manager.
The dispute now threatens viewership for this week's Steelers-Ravens "Sunday Night Football" matchup, described as a "de facto playoff game." Pittsburgh-based WPXI-NBC remains unavailable to Fios customers, though the game will air on Peacock and over-the-air Channel 11 with an antenna.
Boston 25's website displays a message urging customers to call Verizon at 1-800-837-4966 to demand channel restoration. The station warns that the blackout means "no sports, local news, weather, traffic, or the shows you love on Boston 25/WFXT."
Viewers have turned to streaming alternatives including YouTube TV's five-day trial, Hulu Live's three-day option, and the free LocalTV+ app for mobile streaming. Digital antennas have also seen increased adoption as customers seek over-the-air access to local channels.
Verizon directs affected customers to verizon.com/cox for information about alternatives like Fox One and Peacock during the disruption. The company notes it has reached recent agreements with other partners, contrasting Cox's position.
The coverage gap arrives during peak sports season, with Boston 25 scheduled to air NFL games, college playoff matchups, and NBA broadcasts. Neither company responded to inquiries about current negotiations as of Sunday afternoon.
Industry analysts note such carriage disputes typically resolve within weeks, but the timing during holiday sports programming increases pressure on both parties. Similar disputes have become increasingly common as broadcasters seek higher retransmission fees from cable and fiber providers.
Customers seeking immediate access can switch to providers like DirecTV, Comcast/Xfinity, or Dish Network, though such changes often involve contract commitments and installation fees. Streaming services with live sports options include Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and Peacock alongside the previously mentioned alternatives.
The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between traditional broadcasters and distribution platforms as both navigate shifting viewer habits and revenue models in the streaming era.
