Why is NBC Boston Not Available on Cable in Mansfield?

MANSFIELD, MA — The advertisements were constant and the reminders were often, but when the new year began and NBC switched their affiliation from WHDH to the new NBC Boston station, Mansfield cable subscribers were left without the Boston broadcaster of the Peacock Network.

Town Manager Bill Ross told the selectmen Wednesday night that like the rest of Bristol County, cable television carriers in Mansfield are unable to add the new NBC Boston to their lineups because the county is considered by the Federal Communications Commission to be part of the Providence television market.

Ross said the WBZ, WCVB, and WHDH were added to the lineup because they had large viewerships in the area during the rise of cable. With NBC Boston being a new station, they would have to get substantial viewers for the FCC to allow the station to be added. As noted by Selectmen Chairman Jess Aptowitz, that leaves the town in a catch-22 because the only way to get the station in town is with an over the air antenna and the station's over the air signal is weak.

"It’s highly unlikely that NBC Boston would be on cable unless the FCC changes their rule," Ross said, explaining that the likelihood of that is small because it would mean less ad revenue for WJAR, Providence's NBC affiliate.

"It’s a frustration situation and it appears there’s not much we can do," Ross added.

Image: File photo