Miami Gets NFL as Sunbeam Declares One-Day DirecTV Truce

Blackout instituted in retransmission fees dispute is lifted for one night so that viewers can watch Giants-49ers on Fox affiliate WSVN

Sunbeam Television wouldn't make an exception for the Golden Globes and last week's NFL playoff games, but viewers of WSVN, its Miami Fox-affiliate, will be able to watch Sunday's Giants-49ers matchup.

The statiion group has declared a one-day truce in its retransmission fee battle with DirecTV that will allow fans to see the game. WSVN will remain on DirecTV after the game for a special episode of “American Idol” and the station’s late newscast. But after that, WSVN will again go dark on the satellite service.

“We realize that a lot of our viewers are upset about this whole DirecTV blackout,” WSVN general manager Robert Leider said. “So we decided to air this game this coming weekend that’s going to determine who is going to play in the Super Bowl.”

Sunbeam’s Boston station, WHDH, has also been pulled from DirecTV but it's not carrying an NFL game and will remain blacked out. The NBC-affiliate is scheduled to carry the Super Bowl on February 5th, however.

Sunbeam issued the DirecTV blackout after its previous carriage deal with the company expired on January 13th.

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