Charter Reaches Retrans Pact With LIN

Deal involves 13 stations in eight states

By Mike Farrell, Multichannel News -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/29/2012 9:30:00 PM

Charter Communications avoided a blackout of local broadcast affiliates in eight states Thursday, reaching a retransmission consent agreement with LIN Media for about 13 stations.

The stations -- WTNH -TV (ABC) in New Haven, Conn.; WWLP-TV in Springfield, Mass.; WIAT-TV (CBS) in Birmingham, Ala.; WNAC-TV (Fox) and WPRI-TV (CBS) in Providence, R.I.; KIMT-TV (CBS) in Mason City, Ia.; WAVY-TV and WVBT-TV (Fox) in Norfolk, Va.; WLUK-TV (Fox) and WCWF-TV (The CW) in Green Bay, Wis.; and WOOD-TV (NBC), WOTV-TV (ABC) and WXSP-TV (MyNetworkTV) in Grand Rapids, Mich. -- were set to go dark on Nov. 29 at 11:59 p.m. According to Charter, a deal was reached in time to avoid a loss of service.  

"We appreciated our customer's patience and support as we worked through these negotiations, protecting their best interests," Charter said in a statement.

LIN confirmed the agreement on its own websites.

"We are pleased to inform you that an agreement has been reached with Charter and you will not lose access to your local TV station," WOOD-TV said on its website. "We appreciate your support throughout these negotiations."