Verizon/Fios customers could lose access to local NBC station

Customers of Verizon/Fios could lose access to local NBC affiliate WPXI TV as early as Dec. 15 if Verizon and the station’s owner don’t reach a carrier agreement.

In a statement from WPXI owner Cox Media Group, the station said Cox had come to agreements with every other pay TV provider.

“We’re extremely disappointed that Verizon/Fios may pull our station from its lineup, which will harm Pittsburgh audiences and local journalism to the benefit of this telecom giant,” said Kevin Hayes, WPXI’s vice president and general manager.

The current agreement between the companies expires Dec. 15, according to the statement.

Fios customers in Boston and Pittsburgh are at risk of losing Cox Media Group channels, including WPXI and Pittsburgh Cable News Channel (PCNC) when the agreement expires, Verizon said in a statement.

“We are actively working to reach a fair agreement that puts our customers first,” Verizon’s statement says. “Unfortunately, Cox Media Group has yet to agree to reasonable terms. We are fighting to keep costs down for our customers while ensuring they have access to the NFL, college football, and NBA content they love. We will continue to work toward a reasonable agreement on their behalf.”

The companies warned of Cox stations being dropped from Verizon in December 2022, but reached a last-minute agreement that allowed Verizon customers continued access to Cox stations, including WPXI.