New England Patriots
Fox programming — including Boston 25 — has been unavailable to Fios customers in Boston and Providence since Dec. 15.
Another month, and another annoying carriage dispute threatens to block sports fans from watching a game (or games) on a provider they’re paying for.
At jeopardy this time is Sunday’s Patriots-Jets matchup, which will air on Fox affiliate Boston 25 locally … at least for those that aren’t Verizon Fios subscribers, that is.
For Verizon Fios subscribers? Well, for now you’re out of luck and should seek an alternative way to watch the 1 p.m. game. Fox programming — including Boston 25 — has been unavailable to Fios customers in Boston and Providence since Dec. 15. That’s when the channels were dropped from the cable provider’s lineup during a contract dispute with their owner, Cox Media, over carriage fees.
Spokespeople from both sides have been in finger-pointing mode since. Cox Media has said that Verizon has rejected what it terms fair offers and has refused requests to extend negotiations. Verizon has countered with claims that Cox is demanding exorbitant rates to carry the channels. Costs, it says, that will be relayed to the customers. (Think we all believe that last part.)
As of Friday afternoon, the homepage on Boston 25’s website had featured a Verizon phone number with a message urging customers to call and demand the restoration of the Fox channels.
Meanwhile, Fios users who turn to Fox channels are greeted with a short message that says in part, “We appreciate your patience as we continue to negotiate reasonable pricing on your behalf and hope Cox will restore its channels to our lineup soon.”
The carriage disputes have become all too commonplace in the splintered world of cable and streaming providers, much to the escalating exasperation of sports fans who are long since tired of paying more money for more services to able to watch their favorite leagues and teams.
Just recently, there have been carriage showdowns between Fox and YouTube TV (resolved in August), NBC and YouTube TV (October), and Disney and YouTube TV (November, after a two-week blackout).
In November, Fubo dropped NBC channels in their own ongoing contract dispute, which has meant that subscribers to the streamer in the Boston area have not been able to watch the Celtics on NBC Sports Boston for more than a month.
It’s possible that the Cox/Verizon situation is resolved before kickoff Sunday, but there is not much optimism that it will at Boston 25. The station’s website suggests that Verizon subscribers should find a different provider such as DIRECTV, DISH Network, or Comcast/Xfinity in order to watch the Patriots-Jets game.
I’d suggest a few other alternatives that carry the Fox channels. YouTube TV currently has a free five-day trial offer on its website. That’s the streamer I use, and I like it a lot despite its own annoying history of carriage battles. Hulu Live offers a three-day free trial, while Sling TV has a $4.99 one-day pass. (Note: If you’re signing up for a free trial, make sure you read the terms and conditions and whether you will be charged as a subscriber after the free period is up.)
Other options: Purchasing a digital antenna for your smart TV is a cost-effective way to get local channels. And the free Local TV+ app for the iPhone offers access to local channels in the Boston Metro area.
Best of luck to those seeking an alternative way to watch Patriots-Jets if the Cox/Verizon dispute isn’t resolved by kickoff. Believe me, these greedy showdowns are no more fun to write about than they are to navigate for fans who just want to watch their teams.
Looking back
As one of those who remember the long-ago days when a Patriots Super Bowl appearance seemed implausible, it’s been fun to revisit the special 1985 season with the team-produced “Super Bowl Sound Odyssey” podcast. Though the Patriots got pounded by the Bears, the journey to reaching Super Bowl XX was delightful and unexpected, with the Patriots winning three times on the road to emerge as AFC champions. The Patriots have used the “Sound Odyssey” branding for previous pods on the 2001, ’03, and ’04 champs. This one is 10 episodes. Four have been released, with some historical context setting the tone early, including a look back at the talented, ill-fated late-1970s teams. It’s highly recommended here, though I do wonder if the post-Super Bowl cocaine scandal draws a mention later on … Netflix’s recent video deal with Spotify will include a live version of “The Bill Simmons Podcast” on Sunday nights, beginning Jan. 11. The podcast will stream at 11:30 p.m. … Speaking of Netflix and sports,Elle Duncan will debut in her new gig as host of sports and live events at the streamer on Jan. 23. That’s when Duncan, yet another distinguished member of the NESN Alumni Association, will host “Skyscraper Live,” an event in which free solo climber Alex Honnold will attempt to scale the tallest building in Taiwan, Tapei 101. I assume Duncan’s role also means she’ll get to bear witness the next time Jake Paul gets knocked out. Lucky.
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