BOSTON (WHDH) - Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey is worried many New England TV viewers are about to lose their ability to find their favorite NBC programs, such as The Voice, over the air — without paying for cable.
That worry comes as NBC chose to end its affiliation with WHDH-TV starting on January 1.
According to a letter Markey sent to Comcast, which owns NBC, “NBC will reportedly use a transmitter in New Hampshire” to air its programs from WNEU-TV.
As a map based on FCC information shows, WNEU’s signal doesn’t reach half the city of Boston and millions of viewers further South and West.
Markey’s letter goes on to say that NBC “recently agreed to purchase a low-power television station in Boston, which may be used to boost NBC’s signal.” But it is unclear how much of a difference that will make. WHDH’s signal reaches all those viewers.
Senator Markey, a powerful member of the Congressional committee overseeing broadcast and cable television, writes:
“I am concerned that when NBC launches its network-owned station in January, some communities in Massachusetts and throughout New England may lose reliable access to free, over-the-air NBC content. Seniors, low-income residents, and anyone who has recently ended their pay-TV subscription may be particularly impacted if there is a reduction in coverage.”
WHDH owner Ed Ansin says Senator Markey is trying to look out for the little guy.
“It’s the elderly,” Ansin said. “It’s the disadvantaged. In addition, it’s the people that are referred to these days as cord cutters, who’ve decided not to pay the cable bills anymore and are not subscribing anymore so they rely on the over the air signal as well. And all of these people, you’re talking about millions of people in Eastern Massachusetts that would be affected.”
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says he supports Senator Markey’s letter aimed at keeping free, over-the-air NBC for everyone who has it now. “There are some people that can’t afford cable and they go with the stations they can get without having cable,” said Mayor Walsh. “I think it would be key for NBC to keep that same service for the city of Boston and Massachusetts.”
7News reached out to Comcast for comment on Senator Markey’s concerns and received the following statement from NBC Boston:
“WBTS (8.1) and WNEU (60.2) are currently operating and airing the Countdown NBC station. We will be providing additional detail in our response to Senator Markey’s letter.”
NBC Boston wouldn’t say how many viewers may lose their over-the-air NBC signal.
One thing viewers can count on in the new year is continuing to find 7News — and more — right here where you always have. WHDH is expanding its newscasts, including adding a 9 p.m. news every night of the week.
“We’re excited about becoming an independent,” Ansin said. “We’ll be doing a 9 o’clock news. We’ll be doing other things that haven’t been done before. A lot of people will look at what we’re doing and say, ‘gee, that’s terrific. That’s better than it used to be. We like that.'”
Senator Markey says he wants answers from Comcast by next Monday.
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