Nexstar and Altice Strike Deal, Restoring Channels Ahead of NFL Playoffs

NEW YORK, NY – Nexstar Media Group and Altice USA reached a carriage agreement on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, restoring Nexstar stations and NewsNation to Optimum TV subscribers just in time for the NFL playoffs. The deal ends an 11-day blackout that began on January 10, when Nexstar channels were removed from Optimum due to a contract dispute.

While Nexstar and Altice resolved their differences, Optimum remains at odds with MSG Networks, which has been unavailable to subscribers since January 1. The ongoing dispute leaves sports fans without access to New York Knicks, Rangers, and other MSG Network programming.

In other media news, Allen Media Broadcasting announced a partnership with The Weather Channel to overhaul its local weather coverage. The new format, based at The Weather Channel’s Atlanta headquarters, will replace many local meteorologists, leading to layoffs across Allen Media Group’s stations. “We are one hundred percent committed to delivering next-level weather news to our local television stations 24/7,” said Tom O’Brien, President of Weather Group/The Weather Channel.

Meanwhile, Norah O’Donnell’s final night anchoring “CBS Evening News” was moved to Thursday, January 23, one day earlier than planned, due to CBS’ coverage of the PGA Farmers Insurance Open. O’Donnell, who announced her departure in July, will be succeeded by Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson.

In legal news, CNN settled a defamation lawsuit with security consultant Zachary Young on Friday, January 17, shortly after a jury awarded Young $5 million in damages. The case stemmed from a 2021 CNN report on evacuation fees during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. “We remain proud of our journalists and are 100% committed to strong, fearless, and fair-minded reporting at CNN,” a CNN spokesperson said.

Elsewhere, Paramount Global executives are reportedly considering a settlement in former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against CBS over the editing of a 2021 “60 Minutes” interview with then-Senator Kamala Harris. CBS has filed a motion to dismiss the case, and Trump has until January 24 to respond.

In streaming, Zeam Media announced a collaboration with Chinese-language broadcasters KTSF-TV, Sino-TV, and Sky Link TV to launch a Lunar New Year content hub on January 28. Additionally, OAK9 Entertainment’s animated series “Stomp! Stomp! Rhinos!” secured international distribution through Boat Rocker, marking Lithuania’s first globally distributed animated franchise.