Time Warner Cable says Big 4 shows to stay on-air

[December 31, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Time Warner Cable says customers will still be able to view major programming from ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox even if it can't reach a deal with broadcaster Sinclair before their contract expires Friday at midnight.

Time Warner Cable Inc. customers from Portland, Maine, to Pensacola, Fla., are caught in the middle of the New York company's dust-up over the fees it pays Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. to include its signals in channel lineups.

However, Time Warner Cable said late Thursday that it will continue to provide all available Big 4 network programming this weekend even if Hunt Valley, Md.-based Sinclair pulls local programming, such as the evening news.

Such a plan could mean that college football fans may be able to watch Saturday's ABC broadcast of the Florida Gators playing in the Outback bowl after all.

[Associated Press]

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