Verizon Fios announced Saturday that Cox Media Group stations including WFXT-TV (Channel 25) would return to Fios TV after a nearly two-month dispute that left local viewers without access to Fox broadcasts including some Patriots games.
The dispute, which began Dec. 15, left Boston and Providence Fios customer without the channel Boston 25 (WXFT), a Fox affiliate. Subscribers in Pittsburgh lost access to WPXI-TV, an NBC affiliate. Verizon had accused Cox Media of demanding high fees to carry the channel, while Cox Media alleged Verizon had rejected what it viewed as fair offers.
The now-settled conflict is just the latest in a fragmented media landscape that frequently leaves viewers without certain channels, events, and shows, often leading audiences to scramble for access through other streaming services.
“We’re thrilled that Verizon Fios customers in Boston and Providence can once again enjoy Boston 25,” said Todd Brown, vice president and general manager of Boston 25, in a statement. “This agreement reflects the value of Boston 25 and our important local news, weather, traffic, investigative journalism, and sports our viewers count on, along with the shows they love.”
Boston 25 had previously urged customers to call Verizon and demand an end to the dispute, a campaign that included posting Verizon’s corporate phone number on social media and on the news outlet’s homepage.
A month into the dispute, Verizon offered $10.99 in credits to Fios customers who were affected the blackout to cover the costs of other platforms. A Verizon spokesperson said that customers could not longer request the credits now that the provider and Cox Media have settled their dispute.
“We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience during these negotiations,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Our goal as always, is to provide great content at a fair value, and we look forward to continuing to serve our communities with the local news and entertainment they rely on.”
Aidan Ryan can be reached at aidan.ryan@globe.com. Follow him @aidanfitzryan.
