Cable subscribers hoping to avoid getting caught in the crossfire between their providers and network affiliates over retransmission-consent fees by switching to satellite may have to rethink their strategy following word that three stations owned by Citadel Communications may be yanked from DirecTV next week. In a statement, Citadel warned its viewers in Des Moines and Davenport, Iowa and Lincoln, Nebraska on Thursday that "it appears unlikely that a new agreement will be reached by next Wednesday's deadline." DirecTV parried, saying that it was continuing to negotiate in good faith. "If the stations come down after the [March 31] deadline, make no mistake, it will be solely and completely the station owner's decision to take the channels away from our customers."

26/03/2010