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- 🔥 Quick Facts
- Comcast Cuts Scripps Channels Mid-Broadcast in Unprecedented Move
- Nationwide Blackout Hits 19 Major Markets Including Florida
- What Channels Are Gone and Who’s to Blame
- Why the Fee Dispute Created This Massive Television Blackout
- When Will Comcast Cable Restore Scripps Stations and Bring Back Panthers Games
Comcast cable blacks out Scripps stations mid-game in shocking NHL dispute. The Florida Panthers broadcast cut during the second period on March 31 as contract negotiations collapsed. Millions of viewers across 19 markets lost access to network affiliates overnight.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Expiration Date: Contract between Comcast and E.W. Scripps expired March 31, 2026 at 5:59 PM ET
- Markets Affected: 19 Scripps markets nationwide including Miami-Dade, Broward, Detroit, Denver, and Baltimore
- Major Networks: Over 60 local stations blacked out, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates
- Dispute Type: Carriage dispute centered on retransmission fees between cable provider and Scripps-owned stations
Comcast Cuts Scripps Channels Mid-Broadcast in Unprecedented Move
Just before 6 p.m. ET on March 31, Comcast and Scripps failed to reach a new carriage agreement. The telecom giant pulled all Scripps-owned stations from Xfinity cable subscribers within minutes. Viewers watching the Florida Panthers playoff game against the Ottawa Senators discovered the blackout during the second period when their screens went dark. The Panthers won 6-3, but millions missed the final two periods due to the carriage dispute.
The Florida Panthers organization issued a statement urging affected viewers to contact Comcast at 1-800-934-6489 to demand restoration. Alternative viewing options included Panthers Plus streaming service, over-the-air antennas, and other satellite providers.
Comcast cable blacks out Scripps stations in NHL dispute
Xfinity loses dozens of channels over Scripps dispute, Michigan and Florida customers hit hardest
Nationwide Blackout Hits 19 Major Markets Including Florida
This represents one of the largest retransmission disputes in recent television history. Comcast removed Scripps-owned stations from 19 markets across the country, affecting millions of cable customers. In Florida, seven markets lost programming including Miami-Dade, Broward, West Palm Beach, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Tallahassee. Outside Florida, major cities like Detroit (WXYZ-TV), Denver, Baltimore, and Tucson also went dark.
Local news anchors posted urgent messages on Facebook and Instagram apologizing for the disruption. Viewers lost access to essential local news, weather forecasts, and emergency information in affected regions.
What Channels Are Gone and Who’s to Blame
| Affected Station Type | Network Affiliation | Scripps Ownership |
| ABC Affiliates | WFTS (Tampa), WTXL (Tallahassee) | Yes |
| NBC Affiliates | WPTV (West Palm), WXYZ (Detroit) | Yes |
| Sports Channels | WSFL-39 (Panthers broadcasts) | Yes |
| Total Stations Down | Over 60 across 40 markets | All Scripps-owned |
“Due to a carriage dispute, Comcast has dropped coverage of Scripps TV stations, including the Panthers broadcast channels.”
— Florida Panthers, Official Statement
Why the Fee Dispute Created This Massive Television Blackout
Retransmission disputes occur when cable providers and broadcasters disagree on what fees apply. Comcast claimed Scripps demanded unfair pricing, stating “a number of reasonable offers have been made that E.W. Scripps hasn’t accepted.” Scripps countered that Comcast must pay fair market rates to carry their 60-plus stations across 40 markets. These disputes rarely impact sports during games, making this incident extraordinary.
Comcast offers alternative viewing through Xumo Play, Pluto TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. However, local news and NHL games cannot be found on these platforms, creating significant viewer frustration.
When Will Comcast Cable Restore Scripps Stations and Bring Back Panthers Games
As of early April 2026, no resolution has been announced. Carriage disputes typically last between days and weeks, but some have stretched for months. Comcast subscribers will be closely monitoring for the next Florida Panthers game scheduled for Thursday, April 3 against the Boston Bruins to see if service is restored. The Saturday doubleheader in Pittsburgh against the Penguins also hangs in the balance.
Will the dispute resolve before playoff season intensifies, or will millions remain cut off from local broadcasts? Time is running short for Comcast and Scripps to settle their retransmission disagreement and restore critical local programming.
Sources
- Tallahassee Democrat – Comprehensive coverage of the Comcast and Scripps contract dispute affecting multiple Florida markets
- Florida Hockey Now – Breaking news on mid-game blackout during Panthers vs. Senators broadcast
- Detroit Free Press – Details on nationwide blackout affecting 19 markets and Scripps station coverage disruption
