The distribution agreement between Fox and DirecTV expired at midnight Friday Pacific Time, but Fox’s stations and cable networks remained available to the satellite TV company’s subscribers without a blackout.
Since Fox began warning viewers that a black out was possible, the two sides have been exchanging proposals. That process continued into the wee hours on Friday.
The extended carriage appeared to indicate that an agreement was near. On Saturday afternoon, both companies confirmed a deal was reached. Terms were not disclosed.
The expiring agreement covers the Fox-owned TV stations and cable networks FS1, FS2, Big 10 Networks, Fox Deportes and Fox Soccer. Fox News and the Fox Business Network are covered by a separate contract.
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A blackout would affect the U.S.-Netherlands World Cup game and college football on Saturday and the NFL on Sunday in addition to entertainment and news programming.
In October, Fox warned that its distribution deal with cable operator Altice was about to expire, but the two sides reached a new, extended deal averting a blackout. ■
