Orange Bowl blackout averted after broadcasters agree to 8-day extension in cable TV talks

Mediacom accepts extension in cable TV dispute

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Two companies feuding over the cost of carrying broadcast stations have agreed to an eight-day extension which will allow Iowans to watch the Orange Bowl.

Mediacom Communications Corp. agreed on Thursday afternoon to an extension on negotiations with Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Mediacom will pay a higher rate during the extension period to carry Sinclair stations. The agreement expires at midnight on Jan. 8.

The agreement means the Orange Bowl game between the Hawkeyes and Georgia Tech will air in Iowa, where the game was in danger of being blacked out to about 400,000 subscribers. Mediacom customers in Iowa are now also assured they will be able to watch the BCS national championship game.