Last-minute Deal Saves SuddenLink Stations
From the outset, it was clear that SuddenLink Communications would lose three of the top Austin TV programs from their lineup until a last-minute deal saved the day.
The company services main areas of Georgetown, Leander and Pflugerville. It was at risk of losing the stations in the absence of the retransmission agreement that was entered into just recently. KXAN, KNVA and KBVO were on the verge of being dropped from SuddenLink programming schedule until it was too late.
Richmond, a media general based in Va., operates the stations. As per the retransmission agreement, all satellite and cable TV operators are required to have the consent of broadcasters before they can carry any of their signals. As such, there is a monthly subscription fees paid to the stations. SuddenLink had not released details about the agreement but had pointed out that Richmond would be getting more money in return from the improved deal. In a message to its subscribers, SuddenLink wrote;
“Thank you to our customers for their patience as we worked through this negotiation. Media General now joins dozens of other broadcasters with which we have successfully concluded agreements since last November.” Later on, it became apparent that a host of other stations owned by Richmond were at similar risk of being removed from the SuddenLink platform. KXAN was specifically relieved at the last-minute truce that will see them run on SuddenLink for another period. On their official website, they posted the following message of appreciation;
“This fair resolution ensures that we can continue to provide top quality news, sports, entertainment and other local programming that is most important to you. Thank you for supporting local television.” Notably, both KXAN and SuddenLink have not been in good working terms in the past after clashing openly. At one time, KXAN was replaced by KCEN due to a feud.