What Directv says:

 

DIRECTV pays programmers fees to carry their networks or local stations. When contracts come to an end, we negotiate new agreements, and the vast majority of the time you never hear about them. But sometimes programmers demand an increase that’s two, three, and even 10 times more what they’ve ever received before – and all for the exact same channels. We believe it’s our responsibility to take a stand and protect you from these excessive price increases so you don’t see an unnecessary increase to your family’s monthly bill.

DIRECTV Is By Your Side
By sticking up for average families and holding firm during disputes, DIRECTV has been able to keep its annual price increases to half the industry average. DIRECTV has your back and wants you to enjoy any ABC, CBS, FOX or NBC show you want – and at a reasonable price. Just imagine your family’s bill if we simply accepted an arbitrary fee demand for one local station, let alone the 1,580 with whom we partner. Your patience has a direct impact on your bill, and so while every dispute is often resolved quite quickly, we appreciate your support as we fight by your side.

Keeping You Connected
Local broadcast stations use the public airwaves for free as long as your Congressional representatives, the FCC and other officials believe they continue to serve your community’s public interest. Yet, broadcasters use blackouts or threats of blackouts to force your family to pay more and deny you access to what was once free network programming. They often blame the cable or satellite TV provider for taking the stations down, when the fact is that only the broadcast station has ability to withhold programming. DIRECTV cannot and will not take your ABC, CBS, FOX or NBC away from you in a programming dispute. Ever. And local stations that tell you differently, often using their own local newscasts, should lose their licenses for attempting to deceive your families.

---