The Nexstar vs. DirecTV pissing match over money continues and customers are not happy not being able to watch their local Nexstar stations.

But, there is a new idea being talked about that could really cut the legs out from under Nexstar and other companies looking to pull their stations from the cable/satellite during these disputes.

While there has NOT been a draft proposal by any of the Commissioners and there certainly is not a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, a sources tell FTVLive that Commissioner or two have privately floated the idea in the case of a deadlocked retransmission negotiation; and a service black-out, the cable//satellite provider would be allowed to use another out-of-market affiliate to provide network service until an agreement with the local affiliate is consummated.

In other words, if this was in place, the DirecTV customers would still be able to see network programing and sports, but not local news.

This seems fair, since it is the customer that is hurt when the two corporate giants get into these pissing matches.

Of course, such a change to the rules would dilute the negotiating strength of the broadcaster.

Perhaps Nexstar is playing hardball right now, eyeing the fact that there MIGHT be a change to the rules.

Stay tuned….