DirecTV and Cox Media Group are in a standoff that could result in over a million households losing access to Cox's 14 local TV stations, including major affiliates such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. The potential blackout is set to happen on February 2, just in time for the Super Bowl. The two parties are negotiating a new retransmission consent agreement, but Cox Media Group has criticized DirecTV for its repetitive and extended station drops, which they believe harm local journalism and threaten the availability of local news and emergency information. Cox Media Group is urging concerned viewers to call DirecTV and demand that the local stations remain on their lineup. They also recommend switching to other providers such as Xfinity, Spectrum, Verizon/FIOS TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu+Live TV to avoid any disruption in service. DirecTV says they are working to align the value and quality customers receive with the price they pay, and they encourage Cox Media Group to keep the viewers' interests in mind. The fate of access to these local stations remains uncertain as negotiations continue.