WPXI could vanish from Verizon Fios as early as Sunday night. That means Channel 11, your NBC home in Pittsburgh, may disappear right as holiday routines, Sunday football, and winter weather coverage kick into high gear. I confirmed today that Cox Media Group and Verizon are locked in a hard deadline on December 15. Both sides are firm. Your plans may need a backup.
Why this matters for your daily routine
Losing WPXI is not just a blank channel. It is a hole in the day. Morning headlines, school closings, and those fast “Happening Now” updates keep families synced. Sports fans feel it too, with NBC games and big event coverage on the line. So do hobbyists, from home cooks who follow weekend shows, to runners who check race day forecasts before lacing up.
Emergency alerts are part of this. When storms roll over the rivers, broadcast TV remains the backbone for warnings. If your signal depends on Fios, you could miss a critical push alert from local news if the channel drops.
If the blackout hits, Fios households could miss WPXI weather warnings and live briefings. Set a backup for alerts now.
Inside the standoff, explained simply
Here is what is happening. TV providers pay local stations to carry their signal. Those fees are negotiated in cycles, with a hard end date. Cox Media Group owns WPXI. Verizon Fios carries it. Cox says it needs higher fees because creating local news, plus network shows, is expensive and valued. Verizon says the ask is too high. If they do not agree by December 15, Verizon says it will remove Cox stations, including WPXI, from its lineup in our area.
These talks turn tense because both sides want leverage. Viewers get caught in the middle. That is why you are now seeing on‑screen notices and emails urging you to speak up. The signal is still on, for now. But the clock is real.
Why WPXI’s presence matters this week
Our newsroom has been flooded with notes about two Pittsburgh stories that hit close to home. First, the North Shore video, shot near Rivers Casino, showing drivers spinning burnouts in a crowded lot. Spectators circled the cars, phones up. A North Shore resident called it careless and scary. Police are reviewing the behavior as a public safety issue. Car culture should be about skill, pride, and community, not risk to bystanders.
Second, a gift card scam rattled holiday shoppers. Investigators are tracking tampered Giant Eagle gift cards, where money went missing before the buyer ever used it. This is peak gift season. A quick segment can save a family two hundred dollars and a lot of stress. That is the practical value of a local station when it is most needed.
Plan a safe car‑meet. Use permitted spaces, post clear rules, bring cones and spotters, and keep spectators behind marked lines. Skills belong on courses, not in crowded lots.
What you can do today
You do not need to wait. There are simple steps to protect your viewing and your plans this week.
- Call or chat with your TV provider and state you want WPXI kept on.
- Plug in a basic indoor antenna. NBC over the air is free in most Pittsburgh homes.
- Rescan your TV inputs, then save the over‑the‑air WPXI channel as a favorite.
- Set weather alerts on your phone, and add a second source for school closings.
If you host a watch night, keep it stress free. Test your antenna before guests arrive. If you stream, sign in early and confirm your NBC access. For holiday givers, keep gift cards in eyesight at checkout, and buy from staffed displays, not lone racks.
Voices from the neighborhood
Parents I spoke with on the North Shore want safe, organized car spaces and stronger patrols on weekend nights. Shoppers in Verona asked for clearer store safeguards around card racks. City officials described the TV dispute as a private negotiation, but urged residents to prepare backups for weather and emergency info. The shared message is simple. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep community events positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When could WPXI disappear from Fios?
A: After December 15 if no deal is reached. The channel remains on until then.
Q: Will I still get emergency alerts?
A: Over the air, yes. If you rely only on Fios, set a backup like an antenna or phone alerts.
Q: Can I watch NBC without cable?
A: Yes. Use an antenna for free broadcast reception in most areas.
Q: What about sports and big events?
A: NBC games and specials air on WPXI. An antenna keeps you covered if Fios drops the channel.
Q: How do I avoid the gift card scam?
A: Inspect packaging, buy from staffed counters, keep the card in sight, and save the receipt.
The bottom line
WPXI is at a crossroads with Verizon, and the deadline is close. Your daily habits do not have to suffer. Make a quick plan, keep your safety nets in place, and let your provider know you want Channel 11 on your screen. Pittsburgh stays connected when we prepare together.
