Verizon Fios customers may be impacted by Hearst Television’s unreasonable demands

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon has notified Fios customers about potential channel losses due to Hearst Television's demands for substantial rate increases. Hearst's requests could lead to higher monthly bills for customers, prompting Verizon to consider dropping channels to protect consumer interests. The dispute highlights ongoing issues with the retransmission model, which Verizon claims is anti-consumer and unsustainable. If an agreement isn't reached, Fios customers may lose access to popular channels, including local news and sports, starting January 1, 2021.

Positive

• Verizon is taking a stand against unreasonable cost increases to protect customer interests.
• The company emphasizes the importance of affordable local news and entertainment during a pandemic.

Negative

• Fios customers may lose access to Hearst channels if negotiations fail, impacting their viewing options starting January 1, 2021.
• The ongoing dispute reflects deeper issues in the retransmission model that could harm future negotiations.

NEW YORK, Dec. 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon has begun notifying some Fios customers that, due to Hearst Television demanding unreasonably large rate increases that might force customers to pay more to access the same content, Verizon may soon be forced to stop offering channels owned by Hearst. 

While millions of Americans are struggling in an ongoing pandemic, Hearst Television has demanded Verizon pay increases so high that it might force customers’ monthly bills to go up. Verizon will not stand for that. This is in an effort to protect customers from unreasonable costs.

Verizon today issued the following statement:

“Affordable local news is vital and customers want quality at-home entertainment, especially during a pandemic, so Verizon is surprised that Hearst Television is demanding pay increases that might keep Fios customers from watching their channels. We urge Hearst Television to get serious about reaching a fair agreement and hope they will not remove their channels while negotiations continue.”

“The unreasonably high rate hikes proposed by Hearst is the latest in a series of escalating demands that show the retransmission model is fundamentally broken. Verizon maintains that this anti-consumer practice is unsustainable, both in current conditions and looking forward, so we must push back and foster a system that better meets consumer needs.”

On January 1, 2021, Fios customers in select markets may lose the ability to watch their favorite programming, including local news, major live sporting events and other notable entertainment. Though Verizon hopes to reach an agreement that gives customers continued access, Hearst Television may choose to remove channels from Fios TV.

Hearst owns and operates several channels currently available to Fios customers, including WBAL-NBC in Baltimore, WGAL-NBC in Harrisburg, WTAE-ABC in Pittsburgh, WCVB-ABC and WMUR-ABC in Boston/Manchester. Customers can visit verizon.com/hearst/ to learn about their viewing options.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at https://www.verizon.com/about/media-center. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact: 
Andrew Kameka
andrew.kameka@verizon.com

FAQ

Why might Fios customers lose Hearst Television channels?

Verizon is notifying customers that Hearst Television is demanding significant rate increases, which may lead to channel removals if an agreement isn’t reached.

When will Fios customers potentially lose access to Hearst channels?

Customers may lose access to Hearst channels starting January 1, 2021, if negotiations do not conclude favorably.

What channels could be affected for Fios customers?

Channels like WBAL-NBC, WGAL-NBC, and WTAE-ABC, among others, may be impacted by the ongoing dispute.

What is Verizon’s stance on Hearst Television's demands?

Verizon believes the high rate hikes demanded by Hearst are unreasonable and aims to protect customers from increased costs.

Has Verizon issued any statements regarding the Hearst dispute?

Yes, Verizon has expressed surprise at Hearst's demands and urges for a fair agreement to avoid channel removals.