Some Knoxville TV viewers are without WBIR. What does it mean for Tennessee and NFL games?
You get what you pay for − generally. But in yet another dispute between a TV station and programming provider, some Knoxville viewers are without a source for news, sports and other local programming.
This time, the dispute is between DirecTV, which also owns U-verse, and Tegna, the company that owns Knoxville NBC affiliate WBIR. DirecTV and U-verse customers have been unable to watch WBIR since the parties failed to come to an agreement by Nov. 30 over the fees DirecTV would pay Tegna.
These disputes routinely happen and have become more complicated since streaming services have provided an alternative to the cable and satellite programming providers. Streaming services achieved record high viewership in July, marking the first time linear TV fell below 50% of all viewership, according to Nielsen.
What are DirecTV and U-verse viewers seeing in place of Tegna stations?
Instead of typical programming, the channel is broadcasting a message from DirecTV that guides viewers to alternative ways to watch. In Knoxville, the big question is whether the dispute will affect Tennessee Volunteers games − or Tennessee Titans games, for that matter.
Will WBIR dispute affect Tennessee Volunteers football games?
The short answer is no.
In its final game of the season, the Volunteers are scheduled to kick off the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Iowa at 1 p.m. New Year's Day.
The game is on ABC. Locally, that's WATE, whose parent company is Nexstar Media Group.
Local DirecTV and U-verse viewers could not watch WATE for more than 75 days in 2023, including for the Vols' opening football game against Virginia, until an agreement was reached to return Nexstar channels Sept. 18.
DirecTV and U-verse customers, especially football fans, are hopeful WBIR will return quicker.
Will WBIR dispute affect Tennessee Titans football games?
As an NBC affiliate, WBIR broadcasts prime-time NFL games every Sunday night during football season. Fortunately for Titans fans, the team's upcoming prime-time game against Miami will be played Dec. 11 − a Monday night − on ESPN.
While DirecTV and U-verse viewers avoided ESPN lockouts earlier this year, local Spectrum viewers were temporarily unable to watch ESPN and its affiliates due to a dispute between The Walt Disney Company and Charter Communications.
What's the reason for the Tegna, DirecTV dispute?
These contract disputes typically come down to disagreements over costs for services, especially as traditional linear TV viewership continues to decline.
For the first time, linear TV dropped below 50% of all viewership in July, according to Nielsen. At 38.7%, streaming realized record-high views that same month.
"Tegna continues to press for what it describes as 'fair market' rates, yet ones that are far above the rates DIRECTV, as a national service provider, is paying to any other broadcaster," according to a DirecTV news release.
The dispute over prices is further complicated by streaming apps, which offer programs directly to viewers without a cable subscription.
"Despite months of effort, DIRECTV has refused to reach a fair, market-based agreement with TEGNA," reads a statement shared by Tegna with Knox News. "We urge DIRECTV to continue to negotiate with us until a deal is reached that restores our stations to their customers.”
What solutions to Tegna dispute are being proposed?
DirecTV has asked Tegna to consider setting a price for its individual stations and allowing viewers to decide whether they want to subscribe and pay for the stations.
"This first-of-its-kind a la carte model would allow broadcasters to fully control the pricing for their stations based on quality and demand, facilitate a direct relationship between the stations and viewers, and most importantly return greater choice, control and value to consumers by allowing them to customize their packages and pricing," according to the release.
Charter Communications and The Walt Disney Company came together to innovate during their 2023 dispute, resulting in Spectrum TV Select Plus customers getting access to ESPN+.
Also as part of the agreement, Spectrum TV Select customers get access to the basic version of Disney+ and will get ESPN's standalone streaming service once it rolls out.
How to continue watching WBIR and NFL
NBC's subscription-based streaming app, Peacock, broadcasts all "Sunday Night Football" games during the NFL season.
Peacock will have an exclusive broadcast of the prime-time game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 23, as well as an exclusive broadcast of an NFL Wild Card game.
This will be the first time an NFL playoff game will be available exclusively via streaming, according to Peacock.
Peacock also includes a large selection of NBC programming, as well as access to the WWE catalogue and premium live events.
Plans start at $5.99 per month and include shows, sports and "50+ always-on channels."
The ad-free Premium Plus plan is $11.99 per month an incudes a 24/7 stream of your local NBC station.
An antenna should also give DirecTV and U-verse viewers access to WBIR.
Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Instagram @knoxscruff.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: DirecTV and U-verse viewers lose Tegna's WBIR in Knoxville
