Service Electric May Lose Fox Networks, WNEP

MSO's programming contracts with Fox and ABC affiliate expire Dec. 31

By Todd Spangler, Multichannel News -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/30/2012 10:13:13 PM

In two separate potential New Year's Eve showdowns, midsize cable operator Service Electric Cablevision is attempting to strike deals with Fox for several cable networks and two TV stations as well as with ABC affiliate WNEP.

The cable operator's current agreement with Fox, which expires Jan. 1, affects about 100,000 subs located in the Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and Philadelphia designated market areas. The deal covers FX, Speed, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild, Fox Soccer, BTN, FUEL TV, Fox Movie Channel and Fox College Sports. In addition, the deal covers Fox 29 (WTXF Philadelphia) and My9 (WWOR Seacaucus).

Meanwhile, WNEP, the ABC affiliate serving Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, Pa., said the station may go dark for Service Electric customers if the companies can't reach a retransmission-consent agreement by midnight Dec. 31.

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