If you’re a Verizon Fios subscriber wondering what happened to News 12 on Fios, you’re not alone. Many customers noticed the sudden disappearance of the regional news channel from their lineup. This article breaks down what led to this change, why it matters to viewers, and what alternatives exist.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Role of Local News in Everyday Life
Local news plays a vital role in keeping communities informed about weather, traffic, school closures, crime, and neighborhood developments. One such source, News 12, has long been a staple for residents in the New York tri-state area and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.
However, in recent years, many Verizon Fios customers have asked the same question: what happened to News 12 on Fios? The removal of this channel has sparked confusion, frustration, and a broader discussion about access to regional journalism.
What Is News 12?
News 12 is a group of regional cable news channels providing 24/7 local news coverage for areas including:
- Long Island
- Brooklyn and The Bronx
- Westchester and Hudson Valley
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
Launched in 1986 by Cablevision (now part of Altice USA), News 12 quickly became a reliable source of hyper-local content. Its strength lies in community-focused stories, real-time weather reports, and localized emergency updates.
What Happened to News 12 on Fios?
The short answer is that News 12 was removed from Verizon Fios due to a carriage dispute between Verizon and the channel’s parent company, Altice USA.
Carriage Agreements and Disputes
Cable and fiber providers like Verizon Fios must negotiate contracts—called carriage agreements—with content providers such as Altice. These agreements determine whether and how a channel is included in a service provider’s lineup.
In early 2020, Verizon and Altice were unable to agree on terms, resulting in News 12 being dropped from the Fios lineup in some areas.
No Deal, No Channel
When the contract expired and no new agreement was reached, Verizon had no legal or contractual right to continue broadcasting News 12. As a result, the channel was blacked out or removed, leaving subscribers with no access to their trusted local news source through Fios.
Why the News 12 Removal Matters
Understanding what happened to News 12 on Fios isn’t just about channel numbers—it reflects a larger issue of corporate negotiations affecting public access to local information.
1. Loss of Regional Coverage
For many viewers, especially seniors or those without internet access, News 12 was a primary source of trustworthy local news. Its removal limited access to timely information on severe weather, school alerts, and traffic conditions.
2. Impact on Community Awareness
Local news channels like News 12 play a unique role that national news cannot fill. They spotlight community events, local elections, and stories that matter to specific neighborhoods.
3. Viewer Frustration
Many subscribers were not notified in advance or given an adequate alternative. This lack of communication added to public dissatisfaction and confusion.
Verizon’s Statement and Position
In response to the channel’s removal, Verizon stated that they could not agree to what they considered to be unreasonable fee increases proposed by Altice. Verizon argued that News 12 was demanding higher payments for content that was already available online for free.
This is a common argument in modern carriage disputes—whether content that is available via streaming or digital platforms should command high carriage fees from cable/fiber providers.
Altice USA’s Response
Altice, the parent company of News 12, responded by expressing disappointment and claiming that Verizon was unwilling to meet reasonable terms. According to Altice, Verizon subscribers lost access due to Verizon’s decision not to renew the agreement that ensured delivery of high-quality local content.
This public back-and-forth reflects the ongoing struggle between traditional media companies and service providers in the age of streaming and changing viewer habits.
Are There Alternatives for Watching News 12?
While the answer to what happened to News 12 on Fios may be disappointing, viewers still have options for accessing local news:
1. Streaming via News 12 Website and App
Altice has made much of News 12’s content available online. You can visit the News 12 website or download the News 12 app on mobile devices. However, some content may require logging in through an approved cable provider, and Verizon Fios may not be supported.
2. Over-the-Air Local Stations
Residents can also rely on over-the-air networks such as CBS, NBC, ABC, or FOX for local segments, though coverage may not be as specific or in-depth as News 12.
3. Social Media Updates
News 12 maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, providing brief updates, breaking news, and livestreams.
What Can Viewers Do?
If you’re a Fios subscriber upset by the removal, you can:
- Contact Verizon Customer Support: Express your concern and request the return of News 12.
- Reach out to Altice: Let them know how important access is for non-Optimum customers.
- Explore alternative sources: Adapt to new platforms and find new ways to access local news.
- Support local journalism: Subscribe to regional newspapers, follow local reporters, or attend community town halls.
Conclusion: What Happened to News 12 on Fios and What It Tells Us
The situation regarding what happened to News 12 on Fios is a reflection of larger shifts in media consumption, business negotiations, and access to local journalism. While viewers feel the immediate loss of a valuable channel, the long-term issue is about how content is delivered and who controls that access.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, public pressure and consumer habits may influence how companies handle such disputes in the future. For now, staying informed means being flexible, tech-savvy, and proactive in supporting local news providers.
FAQs: What Happened to News 12 on Fios
Q1: Why did News 12 disappear from Verizon Fios?
Answer:
News 12 was removed from Verizon Fios due to a failed carriage agreement negotiation between Verizon and Altice USA.
Q2: Can I still watch News 12 if I have Fios?
Answer:
Not directly through Fios. However, News 12 content may be available through its website, app, or social media platforms, although some features may be restricted.
Q3: Will News 12 return to Fios?
Answer:
There has been no confirmed resolution as of now. Whether it returns depends on future negotiations between Verizon and Altice.
Q4: What are other ways to access local news in my area?
Answer:
You can use local broadcast stations, radio, online news platforms, and social media to stay informed. Some communities also have neighborhood newsletters or local blogs.
Q5: Why do these channel removals happen?
Answer:
Channel removals typically occur due to disputes over carriage fees—how much the service provider must pay to broadcast the content. If both sides can’t agree, the channel may be removed from the lineup.