Super Bowl Could Be Blacked Out for NH DirecTV Subscribers

In 11 days, the New England Patriots will make their seventh appearance in the Super Bowl when they take the field in Indianapolis and look for revenge against the New York Giants, who spoiled the Pats perfect record in the final game of the the 2007 postseason.

If a television contract dispute isn't resolved before then, however, thousands of New Hampshire satellite TV subscribers may not have the opportunity to view the big game, at least not from their own homes.

The conflict between DirecTV and SunBeam Television Corporation, which owns WHBH, NBC's Boston affiliate - which is carrying the Super Bowl - has resulted in more than 30,000 DirecTV customers in Southern New Hampshire being "blacked out" from NBC since Jan. 14.

The feat that an agreement may not be reached by kickoff on Feb. 5 has prompted U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to call on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to step in and help resolve the dispute.

In a statement released today, Shaheen urged FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to help broker an agreement between the feuding factions.

“Through no fault of their own, subscribers have become bargaining chips in these negotiations and are being denied access to the TV programming they’ve paid to receive,” Shaheen said.  “Blacking out the Super Bowl would be a disservice not only to Patriots fans, but also to sports bars and restaurants across Southern New Hampshire that are counting on the game for much-needed revenue.  The blackout is already more than a week old and must end immediately.”

The following is a full text of Shaheen’s letter to Genachowski:

Dear Chairman Genachowski,

I have heard from many constituents affected by the ongoing dispute between DirecTV and Sunbeam Television Corporation regarding the amount the satellite provider must pay to continue transmitting broadcast networks.  I write to urge you to help bring these parties to a prompt, equitable resolution that restores service to their customers.

As you know, negotiations between Sunbeam and DirectTV have reached an impasse, and Sunbeam has “blacked out” reception to NBC and the CW Network in the Greater Boston metropolitan area.  There are currently 200,000 DirectTV customers affected, including more than 30,000 New Hampshire residents who subscribe to the satellite provider. 

Through no fault of their own, paying subscribers have become bargaining chips in these negotiations and are being denied access to local news, TV shows, sporting events and other valuable programming.  While I understand these negotiations are private, I ask that you use all tools at your disposal to help mediate this dispute.  It is essential for consumers in New Hampshire that the two parties reach an accord immediately.

If the dispute is not resolved in the coming days, thousands of New Hampshire sports fans will be unable to watch the New England Patriots compete in the Super Bowl.  This is unfair not only to individual viewers but to business establishments across the state.  The restaurants and sports bars that subscribe to these local stations stand to lose much-needed revenue.  During this time of economic recovery, the last thing these small businesses need is an empty house on game day.

I urge you to help resolve this matter quickly and fairly. Thank you for your attention to this time-sensitive issue.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Shaheen 
United States Senator