DirecTV Viewers Likely Won't Get The Super Bowl On KIRO 7

SEATTLE — AT&T and DirecTV subscribers who want to watch the Super Bowl this weekend are going to want to plan ahead and consider a few alternative streaming options.

KIRO 7 CBS confirms that they have been removed from DirecTV streaming after talks broke down between their owner, Cox Media Group, and AT&T/DirecTV — bad news for sports fans because CBS is also home to the Super Bowl this Sunday.

As the Seattle Times first noted, that's pretty rough for restaurants and sports bars which rely on cable services like DirecTV to bring the game to their customers. It's difficult for KIRO 7 too, as the Super Bowl is prime time for ad sales.

In a statement, KIRO and Cox Media Group (CMG) called the blackout "detrimental to viewers" and said that they had successfully negotiated "hundreds of agreements" like this before without issue.

"During these times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever that our viewers know their trusted local stations are there for them, providing the news and information they need to make critical decisions for their families," CMG said. "CMG stations take pride in being trustworthy resources for our communities, and we will fight to continue to fulfill this responsibility."

As the Seattle Times reports AT&T issued a news release Thursday morning explaining alternative ways customers could watch the game, including:

• Over the Locast Interactive TV app installed in the DirecTV Genie.
• Streamed live online at CBSSports.com.
• Over the NFL or CBS Sports apps.

KIRO also points out that their signal can still be picked up with any standard antenna. Their programming will continue to air on Comcast, Wave Broadband, Ziplyu Fiber, DISH, and CBS All-Access.

The blackout is unlikely to be resolved by the weekend, but KIRO is also urging customers impacted by the decision to reach out to DirecTV directly:

If you are currently affected by AT&T/DIRECTV’s decision to deprive you of important local news and programming during these critical times, make your voice heard! Call AT&T/DIRECTV today at 1-800-531-5000 and demand that they get your local programming back.