Comcast reaches deal to keep KCRA on systems in Vallejo, Benicia
(Graphic by Solano News Update)
Comcast has reached a deal with the parent company of KCRA-TV that will allow it to continue distributing the Sacramento-based NBC affiliate on its pay TV systems in southern Solano County.
In November, Comcast warned its customers in Vallejo and Benicia that the channel would be removed from its systems this month after Hearst Television, the parent company of KCRA (Channel 3), demanded more money in exchange for Comcast’s ability to distribute the station outside of the Sacramento region.
The issue did not affect Comcast customers in Vacaville, Fairfield, Rio Vista or Travis Air Force Base because those communities are within the Sacramento broadcast area. Vallejo and Benicia are part of the San Francisco broadcast market, which is primarily served by Comcast-owned NBC station KNTV (Channel 11).
Comcast planned to remove around three dozen other Hearst-owned stations from cable systems in other states where customers were served by another primary network affiliate. But the cable company began re-thinking those plans after several national lawmakers, including Massachusetts U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, raised objections, saying some of their constituents would face a drought of local news coverage if they were forced to watch in-market stations that existed in another state.
On Tuesday, a Comcast spokesperson confirmed to media industry blog The Desk that a deal had been reached that will keep KCRA and other Hearst-owned channels available on systems outside of designated market areas. The spokesperson said customers will be notified of the deal in the coming days, The Desk said.
We’re proud to produce independent news for Solano County. This newsletter is an all-volunteer effort. If you would like to show your appreciation, consider making a donation in any amount or converting your email subscription into a paid one. Discuss this newsletter and other stories from across Solano County on our Facebook group here and follow our new Twitter account here.