Updated April 1, 2026, 2:30 p.m. ET
Xfinity subscribers of WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) awoke Wednesday to what seemed like an April Fool’s prank.
“This channel is unavailable,” a message on their screens learn.
It was not an April Fool’s prank.
“Our contract with Scripps, the owner of this channel, has expired,” the on-screen Xfinity message learn. “Scripps has refused our reasonable offers, and their demands would significantly increase the price you pay. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep your channels affordable.”
WXYZ and Detroit’s WYMD-TV (Channel 20) are a part of an Xfinity blackout throughout 19 Scripps markets. Comcast’s settlement with Scripps expired at 5:59 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, March 31, in accordance to Xfinity. In the Miami space, the Florida Panthers-Ottawa Senators sport was lower off for viewers mid-broadcast.
In an announcement, Scripps mentioned, “Scripps takes our public service responsibility to serve our communities seriously. Our stations provide on-the-ground reporting, real-time severe weather updates and live sports coverage that keep people safe and connected to what matters most in their daily lives.
The message popped up on the screens of Metro Detroit Comcast ABC viewers on Tuesday night who were expecting to watch the primetime line-up of “Will Trent” and “High Potential.”
“Scripps has been negotiating in good religion to attain an settlement that displays this worth and is truthful for each events and viewers. We hope Comcast acknowledges the essential worth we play for our communities and restores our stations’ indicators so we will proceed to serve their clients. Until then, Xfinity clients can nonetheless discover our native information and sports activities programming for free over-the-air, on our station web sites, streaming apps and on different domestically obtainable cable and satellite tv for pc suppliers.”
On WXYZ’s website, a narrative pointed towards different choices for viewers to watch the channel: through an antenna, through streaming apps or on different broadcast providers.
On Facebook, the station apologized to viewers for the inconvenience.
“We apologize for the disruption of service for Comcast Xfinity subscribers,” the station wrote, asking those experiencing a blackout to contact Comcast at 1-800-934-6489.
Correction: This story is up to date to notice the proper time that the Comcast-Scripps contract expired.
