Cox Cable Looks to Reach Deal With Raycom

Until a deal is struck between Cox Cable and Raycom, thousands of Cox customers in Northeast Ohiowon’t have access to channels such as WOIO and WUAB.

On its website, WOIO explained that the TV station was “unable to reach an agreement with COX Cable” by the Jan. 1 deadline.

On Wednesday, Cox Cable offered some hope to customers.

“Cox is working hard to get WOIO and WUAB programming back in our lineup as soon as possible at a price that’s reasonable for our customers,” said Dana Nolfe, the Northeast Regional communications director for Cox Communications.

“Our primary goal is to provide quality programming at a good value for our customers.”

She said that Raycom — the parent company of WOIO and WUAB — is asking for a price increase that is “more than 200 percent higher than what was paid under the terms of our previous contract.”

“We’re actively negotiating to get the programming back at a reasonable price,” Nolfe added.

Lakewood residents — and thousands around Northeast Ohio — have taken their frustration to social media websites like Facebook and Twitter.

“We understand how frustrating this is for you,” according to the statement posted on WOIO. “We share your frustration. After all, you pay COX Cable 100 percent of your bill each month. Why shouldn't you get 100 percent of your channels?”

The station has been working to since October reach an agreement, “but so far have been unable to reach an agreement with COX Cable for the continued carriage of WOIO.”