UPDATE:
Cox Cable viewers will not lose KAKE-TV Channel 10 as of January 1, 2012 with an agreement apparently being reached between the two sides.
KAKE is the local ABC-TV affiliate in the Wichita-Hutchinson-Salina market, owned by Gray Television Group.
KAKE has been attempting to negotiate a permit with Cox to allow them to sell the station’s programming to cable subscribers, which are referred to as “retransmission consent” negotiations.
So, KAKE-TV 10 will remain on local Cox Cable systems.
ORIGINAL: Cox Cable viewers could lose KAKE-TV Channel 10 as of January 1, 2012 according to reports.
KAKE is the local ABC-TV affiliate in the Wichita-Hutchinson-Salina market, owned by Gray Television Group.
According to KAKE’s website, they’re attempting to negotiate a permit with Cox to allow them to sell the station’s programming to cable subscribers, which are referred to as “retransmission consent” negotiations.
KAKE officials argue that despite their attempts they have not reached a fair agreement with Cox. Unless that happens KAKE-TV, which uses the brand name KAKEland, will likely come off of the Cox Cable system on January 1, 2012.
Cox Cable argues that Gray Television Group is now threatening to withhold its signals from Cox customers in exchange for, what they say are unreasonable demands, that they say will burden customers.
Cox says they’re willing to continue to provide reasonable compensation to Gray Television Group broadcast stations for their free, over-the-air TV signal(s), but offers have been refused. Gray officials say the fees they are requesting are still less then what they pay other less popular cable channels.
Both sides say they hope to reach a new agreement prior to 11:59 p-m, on December 31, 2011 when the current agreement expires. However, if they are unable to come to terms on a new agreement or obtain an extension from Gray Television Group, their signals will no longer be available on the Cox lineup.
Viewers can still access KAKE-TV locally over-the-air, with the use of an antenna. A digital-to-analog broadcast converter box available at retail stores would need to be used to access the digital broadcast signals over the air.