Retransmission Fallout: Fox Loses Political Dollars

With News Corp. and Cablevision continuing their standoff in New York, the local Fox station is bleeding political dollars, putting competitors in a position to grab share as Election Day nears.

Well-funded candidates Sen. Charles Schumer and Linda McMahon are among those canceling lucrative buys with WNYW/Channel 5, which is off the air in Cablevision homes, thanks to the carriage dispute. A sales executive working for both stations tried convincing the campaigns to keep the political dollars flowing. The monies are crucial; they beef up revenue every two years, while tighten inventory, leading to higher prices for other advertisers. The Fox/MyNetworkTV sales executive told Schumer's campaign the stations still each reach 57% of the market. But he said Schumer wants off the air until "we are back at 100% DMA coverage." Schumer's agency had already sent payments, and asked that they be returned.