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Xfinity customers across the U.S. woke April 2 to a TV nightmare. Comcast dropped 40 broadcast stations owned by E.W. Scripps after their carriage agreement expired at 5:59 p.m. ET on March 31, 2026. Michigan and Florida viewers are hit hardest by this dispute over programming fees.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Agreement Expiration: Contract between Comcast and E.W. Scripps ended at 5:59 p.m. ET on March 31, 2026
- Stations Impacted: 40 broadcast stations nationwide, including 19 Big Four affiliates (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) and 21 independent stations
- Markets Hit Hardest: Michigan and Florida saw blackouts affecting Detroit (WXYZ), Tallahassee (WTXL), and South Florida Panthers broadcasts
- Core Issue: Dispute centered on carriage fees Comcast must pay to distribute Scripps programming to Xfinity subscribers
The Sudden Blackout: What Happened
Xfinity customers across 19 major markets lost access to Scripps-owned networks on the evening of March 31, 2026. The blackout caught viewers mid-program. In South Florida, the Florida Panthers broadcast was cut off during the second period of play. Detroit residents lost access to WXYZ-TV and WYMD-TV, critical sources for local news and weather. The removal happened around 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, when Comcast unilaterally pulled Scripps channels from its Xfinity lineup.
Comcast notified subscribers via email explaining the agreement expiration. However, the sudden nature of the removal left households scrambling for alternative ways to access essential programming, particularly local news and emergency weather information.
Comcast cable blacks out Scripps stations in NHL dispute
Xfinity loses dozens of channels over Scripps dispute, Michigan and Florida customers hit hardest
Why Is Michigan Hit Hardest?
Michigan represents one of the largest population centers affected by this carriage dispute. WXYZ-TV, a major ABC affiliate owned by Scripps, serves the Detroit metropolitan area with millions of viewers. The station provides critical breaking news, weather alerts, and community coverage that residents depend on daily. Losing this channel created immediate disruption during a period when local news is essential.
Beyond national networks, Scripps stations in Michigan also carry independent programming. WYMD-TV (Channel 20) and other affiliated stations vanished from Xfinity lineups, forcing subscribers to seek alternative viewing options over-the-air or through competing streaming platforms.
Florida Viewers Face Sports and News Blackout
| Market | Affected Channels | Impact |
| South Florida (Miami, West Palm Beach, Broward) | Scripps network affiliates | Panthers broadcasts cut mid-game, local news unavailable |
| Tallahassee | WTXL and affiliated stations | Local ABC programming removed from Xfinity |
| Other Florida Markets | Multiple Scripps-owned broadcasters | Regional and national network access lost |
Florida residents experienced dramatic disruption, particularly hockey fans watching the Florida Panthers game unfold. When Xfinity pulled Scripps channels in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties around 8:30 p.m., the broadcast went dark mid-competition. The incident highlighted how carriage disputes directly impact entertainment, news delivery, and community information access.
The Real Issue: Carriage Fees and Power Dynamics
Comcast argues it made reasonable offers but Scripps demanded higher programming fees. This dispute reflects a larger industry trend where broadcasters increasingly charge cable providers more money for channel distribution as traditional TV advertising revenue declines. Comcast typically raises customer prices rather than drop channels, making this Scripps dispute unusual.
Scripps countered that its stations provide essential local news coverage, severe weather updates, and live sports that serve their communities. The company stated it negotiated in good faith and hoped Comcast would recognize the value these stations bring to viewers. Until resolution, affected customers can access programming over-the-air, through station websites, and on competing platforms like DIRECTV, Fubo, and YouTube TV.
“Scripps takes our public service responsibility to serve our communities seriously. Our stations provide on-the-ground reporting, real-time severe weather updates and live sports coverage that keep people safe and connected to what matters most in their daily lives.”
— Scripps Company Spokesperson
What Are Your Options Right Now?
Xfinity customers can access Scripps programming through multiple alternatives while the dispute continues. Over-the-air broadcasts remain free with a standard antenna, providing access to all Big Four network affiliates and local programming. Many Scripps stations offer free streaming apps and website-based video that deliver news, weather, and sports without cable.
Customers considering a switch can find Scripps channels on DIRECTV, Dish Network, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV. Comcast continues negotiating and states it works toward restoring programming with fair pricing that protects customer value. Until resolution, millions of Michigan and Florida families face disrupted TV service. Will this carriage dispute extend for weeks or resolve quickly like other broadcaster standoffs?
Sources
- Xfinity Official Support – E.W. Scripps agreement expiration notice and customer FAQs
- Detroit Free Press – Michigan customer impact and dispute timeline coverage
- TheDesk.net – Carriage dispute analysis and Comcast statement details
