Raycom Extends DirecTV Agreement

Raycom Media on Thursday afternoon temporarily extended its carriage agreement with DirecTV, ensuring 4 million subscribers will continue to receive 54 local Raycom Media stations and preventing an interruption in service. The agreement was set to expire tonight at 11:59 ET.

The extension guarantees Raycom Media stations will remain on the DirecTV lineup through Tuesday, Sept. 5.

“Our local commitment is all about putting the needs of the communities we serve first,” said Pat LaPlatney, Raycom Media president-CEO. “As we all witness the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Raycom Media teams in and around the affected areas are providing vital local news coverage on every screen, and stations across our group are raising funds and awareness for relief efforts that will help the people in Texas and Louisiana recover and rebuild.”

Raycom Media stations have already raised more than $395,000 for Hurricane Harvey relief with more efforts planned in the coming days. Stations are also devoting airtime to public service announcements and news mentions that drive donations to The American Red Cross and other relief organizations and supporting network initiatives such as ABC’s “Day of Giving”.

“The power of local broadcasters to serve those in need is of critical importance in times like these,” said LaPlatney. “That’s why we offered an extension to DirecTV and we’re pleased they understood the importance of that local commitment and accepted.”