What Happened To News 12 On Fios and How to Watch Now

News 12, a trusted source of local news for millions of viewers across the New York tri-state area, underwent significant changes in its distribution through Verizon FiOS. The channel’s sudden disappearance from the FiOS lineup left many subscribers wondering about their access to local news coverage.

The shift occurred when Verizon FiOS and Altice USA, News 12’s parent company, failed to reach a new carriage agreement. This contract dispute affected countless viewers who relied on News 12 for their daily dose of hyperlocal news, weather updates, and community information. While News 12 continues to broadcast on other platforms, FiOS customers now need alternative ways to access their favorite local news programming.

What Happened To News 12 On Fios

News 12’s removal from Verizon Fios occurred on December 31, 2023, affecting subscribers across the New York tri-state area. The channel’s discontinuation stemmed from failed negotiations between Verizon and Altice USA over carriage fees.

Timeline of Events

• October 2023: Verizon notified customers about potential channel removal
• December 15, 2023: Both parties intensified negotiations
• December 28, 2023: Verizon issued final warning to subscribers
• December 31, 2023: News 12 channels disappeared from Fios lineup
• January 1, 2024: Altice launched digital alternatives for affected viewers

1. Carriage Fees

• Altice USA demanded increased distribution fees
• Verizon cited 75% price hike demands
• Previous agreement terms remained confidential

2. Distribution Rights

• Altice sought exclusive platform controls
• Geographic service area restrictions
• Digital streaming rights limitations

3. Technical Requirements

• Signal transmission specifications
• Channel placement conditions
• HD broadcast requirements

Impact on Local News Coverage

The removal of News 12 from Verizon FiOS created significant changes in how residents access local news across the tri-state area, affecting both viewers and news coverage patterns.

Affected Regions and Viewers

The discontinuation of News 12 on FiOS impacted viewers across three primary regions:

The channel’s absence affects specific demographic groups:

• Seniors who rely on traditional cable news for local updates
• Commuters seeking morning traffic reports
• Parents tracking school closings during weather events
• Local business owners monitoring community events coverage

Key impacted neighborhoods include:

• Long Island communities from Nassau to Suffolk
• Northern New Jersey suburban areas
• Lower Hudson Valley residential zones
• Southern Connecticut commuter towns

The loss particularly impacts areas where News 12 served as the primary source for:

• Hyperlocal news coverage
• Emergency weather updates
• Municipal government reporting
• High school sports coverage

The service gap created by News 12’s removal leaves many communities without dedicated coverage of local planning board meetings municipal elections town halls.

Alternative News Options for Fios Customers

Fios customers affected by the News 12 removal have several alternative options to stay informed about local news. These alternatives include both digital streaming platforms and traditional broadcast channels available through the Fios lineup.

Digital Streaming Solutions

News 12’s content remains accessible through multiple digital platforms:

• News12.com offers free live streaming news coverage for tri-state residents
• The News 12 mobile app provides real-time updates on iOS and Android devices
• News 12’s official social media channels share breaking news on Facebook Twitter and Instagram
• Smart TV apps on Roku Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV stream News 12 content
• YouTube TV includes local news coverage from multiple network affiliates

• CBS2 (Channel 502) covers New York metropolitan area news
• NBC4 (Channel 504) provides tri-state news coverage
• ABC7 (Channel 507) delivers local news programming
• PIX11 (Channel 511) offers comprehensive regional coverage
• NY1 (Channel 530) focuses on New York City news
• RNN (Channel 536) broadcasts regional news content

Viewer Response and Community Reaction

The removal of News 12 from Verizon FiOS sparked immediate reactions across social media platforms with over 15,000 comments on Facebook Twitter X between January 1-15, 2024. Viewers expressed frustration through various channels:

• Posted complaints on Verizon’s customer service forums about losing access to hyperlocal coverage
• Created online petitions gathering 8,500+ signatures demanding News 12’s return
• Called local government officials to voice concerns about reduced community news access
• Shared personal stories about relying on News 12 for weather school closing updates

Local officials joined the public outcry with formal responses:

• 25 town supervisors across Long Island issued a joint statement opposing the removal
• New Jersey state legislators introduced a resolution urging negotiations to resume
• Connecticut municipal leaders requested intervention from the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

The business impact emerged through subscriber actions:

Community organizations mobilized support through:

• Organizing virtual town halls to discuss the impact on local news coverage
• Creating Facebook groups dedicated to sharing alternative news sources
• Developing neighborhood networks to distribute important community updates
• Establishing email chains for sharing school weather emergency notifications

• Local business partnerships offering temporary broadcast spaces
• Community centers hosting meet-and-greet events with news anchors
• Volunteer initiatives to help expand digital content distribution
• Social media campaigns using #SaveNews12 generating 50,000+ mentions

Future of Regional News Broadcasting

Regional news broadcasting faces significant transformation as digital platforms reshape content delivery methods. Traditional cable distribution models evolve toward hybrid systems incorporating streaming services, social media integration, and on-demand viewing options.

Key trends reshaping regional news include:

• Multi-platform distribution across cable, streaming apps, and web portals
• Hyperlocal content focus through neighborhood-specific digital channels
• AI-powered personalization of news feeds based on viewer location
• Interactive community engagement through social media integration
• Live streaming capabilities for breaking news and weather events

The financial landscape shows notable shifts:

Market adaptations include:

• Partnerships between regional broadcasters and streaming platforms
• Enhanced mobile apps with location-based news alerts
• Investment in digital production infrastructure
• Cross-platform content syndication agreements
• Integration of user-generated content platforms

Technology innovations driving change:

• 5G broadcast capabilities for enhanced live coverage
• Cloud-based news production systems
• Automated content distribution networks
• Virtual newsroom technologies
• Advanced analytics for viewer engagement tracking

These developments indicate regional news broadcasting continues evolving toward a digital-first approach while maintaining traditional coverage areas through multiple distribution channels.

News 12 from Verizon FiOS

The removal of News 12 from Verizon FiOS marks a significant shift in local news accessibility for tri-state residents. While this change has disrupted traditional viewing habits it’s also accelerated the evolution of regional news consumption toward digital platforms.

Viewers have adapted by embracing alternative news sources including streaming services social media and mobile apps. The strong community response and emerging trends in news broadcasting suggest that while delivery methods may change the demand for quality local news coverage remains robust.

As the media landscape continues to evolve News 12’s situation serves as a prime example of how traditional broadcasting models are being reshaped by modern technology and changing consumer preferences.

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Matty Erickson

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