Cox & re-transmission Disputes - Or how they take both sides!

Have you ever seen the press releases or what Cox Communication's spokespeople say when they have channels go dark, or about to go dark because of a re-transmission dispute? Random Google Results:quote:Cox calls Nexstar the “latest station owner to rely on retransmission fees in an effort to boost their bottom line.” The broadcast group “has not changed [its] offer in two weeks and is still demanding three times more for its free over-the-air stations.” https://deadline.com/2016/01/nexstar-stations-blackout-cox-communications-cable-systems-retransmission-1201693395/quote:Added Cox spokesman Juergen Barbusca: "We've been working on reaching a deal with Nexstar for weeks. And we're committed to getting a deal that is reasonable for our customers." The back-and-forth is "a little dance" that's become routine, as networks look for higher carriage fees from the cable providers that air their content, said Craig Delsack, a New York-based television and media-distribution attorney. http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/cox-customers-could-miss-super-bowl-if-dispute-klas-tv-continuesquote:Why Are There So Many Disputes? Every month, Cox pays license fees to TV network owners to carry their networks or local broadcast stations on our lineup. As a result, we negotiate dozens of contracts each year, the majority of which you will never hear about. However, in the past few years, many local broadcasters and cable channels have become more willing to deny viewers access to their content when cable, satellite and other video providers aren’t willing to pay the high rates they are requesting. [...] The price of TV (and especially “free” TV) keeps climbing, and Cox remains committed to keeping our customers connected to what they care about most while meeting our responsibilities to provide you the most value from all of our services. [...] Oftentimes, you’ll hear the Networks say that they’re asking for only, “pennies a day.” But all of us know that the pennies add up fast. The price of TV (and especially “free” TV) keeps climbing, and Cox remains committed to keeping our customers connected to what they care about most while meeting our responsibilities to provide you the most value from all of our services. http://www.coxcommitment.com/why-disputes-happen/ Okay, so Cox claims they're trying to watch out for their customers, I can buy that excuse - HOWEVER! When Cox Media owned stations (Cox Media and Cox Communications are both owned by the Cox Family) are in re-transmission disputes with carriers they have zero qualms about taking the other side of the issuequote:WFXT, the Boston-area Fox25 affiliate, is threatening to pull its programming on New Year’s Day for DirecTV customers, unless the two parties reach an agreement on fees. Tom Raponi, vice president and general manager of WFXT, which appears on channel 25, in a statement Thursday said, “I am disappointed that my company and DirecTV appear to be reaching an impasse,” which could disrupt Fox’s service for DirecTV subscribers. The local Fox station is owned by Atlanta-based media giant Cox Media Group. A spokeswoman for DirecTV owner AT&T Inc. said the companies are still in negotiations with Cox and Fox25. “We want to keep WFXT in your local lineup but its owner, Cox Broadcasting, is threatening to block the station from reaching your home unless they receive a significant increase in fees,’’ said Kate MacKinnon, the AT&T spokeswoman. She said Fox could continue to make its shows available while the negotiations continue. “Cox has suspended its stations briefly from TV providers’ customers before, so we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this matter quickly and reasonably,’’ she said in a statement. WFXT’s Raponi said the station has reached agreements with its other distributors. https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/12/29/fox-directv-dispute-over-fees/GBWPAv0ik0yJ9LhRuBfXpL/story.html So, Cox wants their cake and yours too.