No More FOX TV for Twin Falls, Idaho

According to a press release from KXTF, Twin Falls' Fox affiliate, they will no longer carry Fox programming beginning July 1,2012.

What does this mean to you?  Nothing.  Unless you happen to be a fan of American Idol & The Simpsons.  You heard me.  NO MORE IDOL!

I'm guessing here but I suppose it's possible that another local station might pick up where KXTF leaves it.  It's hard to say, for sure.  If the costs are as high as the press release suggests, it might be hard for anyone to pick up the ball.

I suppose it's possible that  Cable or Dish might allow you to pick up a feed from Boise or Salt Lake, but I wouldn't count on it.  Fox would have nothing to gain by allowing an outside affiliate to rebroadcast from another area... I'm not privy to those negotiations so I'm just stating possibilities.

What is certain:  As of right now, there won't be Fox in Twin Falls, Idaho this summer.

Press Release:

As of July 1^st, 2012, KXTF will no longer broadcast FOX Network programming. The FOX Network and KXTF have been unsuccessful in negotiating a new affiliate contract set to expire June 30, 2012.

According to KXTF General Manager, Shelley Goings, the network is demanding compensation from the station that exceeds its current revenue.  Goings stated that the station has attempted to negotiate with FOX for many months, but the network has been unwilling to budge from its demands.   Goings is disappointed to see her station lose FOX programming, but she said, “We have no choice.  The rates being demanded by FOX in small markets are not seen anywhere else within the industry, including other major broadcast networks.”

The issue comes down to retransmission fees.   The network believes it should be compensated by local affiliates for the right to have its programming retransmitted in their markets.   It uses a formula based on the market’s total number of cable and satellite subscribers to determine the amount of compensation.  In the case of KXTF’s FOX 35, the retransmission fees are higher than the advertising revenue the station currently brings in.

Similarly, in 2011, Boise’s KTRV chose not to renew its license with FOX over retransmission fees.

FOX programming includes hit shows such as American Idol, The Simpsons, and Glee; and major sporting events like NFL football, the Daytona 500, and the World Series.   At this point it is unclear if there will be a way for residents of Southern Idaho to view FOX programming.  If you would like to voice your concern, the FOX Network can be contacted at 310-369-1000.

KXTF will continue to operate in our market.  Contract negotiations are underway to bring THIS TV to KXTF.  THIS TV’s program schedule relies on the extensive library of films and TV programming currently owned by MGM and subsidiary United Artists.