DIRECTV has run into another programming dispute, leading to its second blackout of local ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX channels this year.
This time it’s with Tegna, which owns 64 locals in 51 regions that are carried by DIRECTV. Given the last dispute with Nexstar lasted two and a half months, there’s no telling how long this blackout could last.
The pay-TV provider is, sadly, used to these kinds of scenarios, which means it’s already started preparing its subscribers.
Here are some of the things it’s doing:
Gift Cards
By Thursday afternoon, hours ahead of the blackout, select customers began receiving emails offering a $25 Visa gift card as early compensation. DIRECTV said the gift cards were targeted at subscribers who spent a lot of time watching the channels that Tegna offered, which varies based on the market.
Free Antennas
Commercial DIRECTV customers (think Buffalo Wild Wings) received antennas to help them get through the blackout, especially with critical college football and NFL games this weekend. DIRECTV said every Buffalo Wild Wings, Boomerjacks, Miller’s Ale House, Dave & Buster and hundreds of other business customers have gotten antennas in preparation.
DIRECTV has also told customers in affected areas that those businesses will have those locally broadcasted games.
The company said it was looking at potentially distributing antennas to consumer accounts as well.
Blackout Credits
Customers can go to this DIRECTV page to register for a credit. They’ll have to enter their zip code to verify that they’re being affected.
Other Resources
DIRECTV also set up this page to offer people different ways to get the channels lost in the blackout. They include antennas or streaming services like Paramount+, which offer CBS Sports college and NFL games.
Correction: The previous version of the story misstated the number of networks and markets owned by Tegna.