Steering its way through a gauntlet of broadcast retransmission licensing deals, AT&T confirmed that it has reached terms with Raycom, keeping the broadcaster’s 54 network affiliates on the DirecTV program guide.
The two sides reportedly extended their previous deal several times before reaching a renewal agreement.
“We’re pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement without any disruption to our viewers on the DirecTV system,” said Raycom President Pat LaPlatney.
Indeed, while Raycom delivered a few blackout threats last month, negotiations between the broadcaster and the satellite TV operator broke down in 2014, resulting in a one-week service interruption.
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For its part, DirecTV still has plenty of work to do. It faces a looming deadline to renew its deal with the nation’s No. 3 station group, Meredith Corp. An AT&T rep told FierceCable there is no update on those talks.
Meanwhile, AT&T is also currently blacked out by two Midwestern affiliates owned by Dispatch Broadcast Group: Columbus, Ohio, CBS affiliate WBNS-TV and Indianapolis NBC station WTHR-TV.
American Spirit Media has pulled its seven affiliates off DirecTV and U-verse, as well.