KHBS-KHOG Drops Cox as Digital Carrier

KHBS-KHOG-TV, Channels 40/29, the Fort Smith and Fayetteville ABC affiliate, announced on Oct. 1 that its digital high definition signal will not be carried by Cox Communications until the two companies are able to strike an agreement.
The signal, technically called KHBS-KHOG-DT, Channels 15/21, appeared on channel 720 to Cox digital subscribers.
“The removal of the station’s digital signals from the Cox system is the result of unsuccessful negotiations between representatives of Hearst-Argyle Television Inc., KHBS/KHOG’s parent company and Cox,” a press release stated. “Hearst-Argyle is seeking fair and reasonable terms from Cox in return for allowing Cox to carry KHBS/KHOG-DT’s programming and charge its subscribers for access to that programming.”
The release said Hearst-Argyle will allow Cox to retransmit the ABC affiliate’s analog signal while the companies work toward a resolution.
“We sincerely hope we and Cox can return to negotiations quickly so as not to deprive Cox cable customers of high definition programming,” said Jim Prestwood, general manager of KHBS-KHOG. “However, our viewers can still receive our high-definition signal using an appropriate tuner or antenna.”