BOSTON (WHDH) - Comcast responded Monday to concerns from Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey about who will be able to watch the NBC Boston station when it debuts in January.
The cable giant, which owns NBC, is ending its affiliation with WHDH on Jan. 1. Comcast originally planned to broadcast NBC Boston from a transmitter in New Hampshire and a low-power station it recently purchased in Boston.
Last week, Markey asked Comcast how many viewers who watch over the air might not be able to see NBC Boston because of the new arrangement. Markey heads the congressional committee that oversees cable and broadcast television.
In a letter responding to Markey’s questions, Comcast said, “We have just entered into agreement with another full-power Boston station (WMFP) to rebroadcast the NBC Boston signal.”
Comcast told Markey it will meet its promise to make sure people across New England will be able to watch NBC Boston for free over the air.
As for WHDH, owner Ed Ansin said the station is ready to go into the new year as a strong independent station with new programs and even more 7News. A new 9 p.m. 7News will air seven nights a week.
“We’ve developed a lot of new ideas. New thoughts. New things we want to do. We find it exciting, we think our viewers will as well,” said Ansin.
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