WTVC – News Channel 9 in ChattanoogaThe owner of WTVC-News Channel 9 and DirecTV are working on a brief extension to permit the station to remain in the satellite company’s lineup if they don’t settle a contract dispute by today.
DirecTV spokesman Thomas Tyrer said Wednesday the parties continue to make progress toward a long-term programming relationship with WTVC owner Sinclair Broadcast Group.
“This offers further assurance to our customers that there will be no interruption of their local programming,” he said in an email. “We also anticipate that, even in the most extreme case, Sinclair and DirecTV will agree to a brief extension beyond the initial Feb. 28 deadline to hammer out any final details.”
Sinclair has warned DirecTV customers that its 87 stations in 47 markets, including Chattanooga, could go dark unless a new agreement is reached.
Mike Costa, WTVC’s general manager, declined to comment Wednesday.