FETV Slams Comcast’s Decision To Drop the Network in Some Markets
FETV President and CEO Drew Sumrall has criticized Comcast’s decision to drop the network in certain markets, citing unfair demands in carriage negotiations. Despite FETV’s top 30 Nielsen coverage ranking, Comcast allegedly imposed unfavorable terms, while smaller networks with lower viewership were paid millions in license fees.
The confirmation of Comcast’s intentions came after a Cord Cutters News reader reported seeing a scrolling message on FETV indicating that the network may be dropped. Sumrall spoke out, stating, Numerous networks with a fraction of our audience are paid millions of dollars per year in license fees, while family-friendly independents like ourselves are given much less favorable terms, including demanding FETV pay for carriage.
Sumrall described the disputes between independent networks and larger companies like Comcast as systemic and emphasized that they had nothing to do with viewership. He noted that FETV and another independent station, INSP, collectively reached 600,000 households, a significant audience size that positions them among the top five cable networks.
Expressing his concerns further, Sumrall asserted, Companies like Comcast apparently want these independents drowned out while mega-companies drive up costs for every consumer. FETV does not charge our affiliates a license fee to be carried, and we refuse to be the scapegoat for a struggling industry desperate to offset losses wasted on content with little to no viewership.
FETV, which was added to Comcast in 2019, features beloved classic programming such as Leave it to Beaver, Bewitched, and Perry Mason. Sumrall expressed gratitude to the network’s devoted viewers and affirmed FETV’s dedication to offering affordable, family-friendly entertainment.
Comcast remained unavailable for immediate comment on the matter.
In this ongoing dispute between FETV and Comcast, the focal point lies in the alleged unfair treatment of independent networks compared to their larger counterparts. Sumrall’s comments shed light on an industry struggle where independent networks face challenges in negotiating reasonable terms while striving to provide quality programming for their loyal audiences.
As the situation unfolds, the impact on viewers and the industry at large remains to be seen. Subscribers in the affected markets could potentially lose access to FETV’s beloved classic shows, and the outcome may have broader implications for the relationship between independent networks and major cable providers.
It is essential to address the concerns raised by FETV, as the accessibility and affordability of family-friendly programming are matters of interest to viewers across various markets. The resolution of this dispute will undoubtedly be closely watched by industry insiders and attentive viewers alike, with potential implications for the future of independent networks in an increasingly competitive television landscape.
