Fairhaven Comcast subscribers received an email on November 20, notifying them that WCVB Channel 5 would no longer be available in the line-up as of 12/22. The channel is an “out-of-market” ABC station. Because ABC6 is also available, Comcast noted in its email that all national programming would be available.
Fairhaven is part of the Providence Designated Market Area (DMA), so the Boston stations are considered out of market.
A spokesperson for Comcast told the Neighb News that the company is still negotiating with WCVB, so there is still a chance that the station will not disappear.
Channel 5 is the station that creates “Chronicle,” a TV newsmagazine that also features travel and profiles. The show profiled Fairhaven as a tourist destination.
To weigh in the decision, visit www.xfinity.com and scroll down to find “Submit Feedback, or call Headquarters in Chelmsford, MA at 215-286-1700; or call WCVB, 781-449-0400, Ext. 2, and ask to speak to general manager Kyle Grimes; or mail to 5 TV Place, Needham, MA 02494.
Comcast uses the Nielsen ratings DMAs, which have put Greater New Bedford in the Providence DMA. If all the affiliates moved their stations, for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, the area would lose most of its Massachusetts statehouse news, Boston news, and traffic updates.
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