In a much-anticipated resolution, DirecTV and Tegna, the owner of WKYC Channel 3, announced on Saturday that they have reached a new multi-year distribution agreement. This development ensures that local DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and AT&T U-verse customers will be able to watch the Cleveland Browns take on the Houston Texans in the opening game of the NFL Playoffs.

The nearly two-month blackout between the satellite, cable, and streaming provider and Tegna caused frustration among viewers who were unable to access WKYC Channel 3, the Cleveland-area NBC affiliate, since November 30. Both parties had engaged in a back-and-forth blame game, leaving fans and bars scrambling to find alternative ways to watch the highly-anticipated playoff game.

However, the recent agreement means that local DirecTV subscribers can now rejoice as WKYC is being restored to the three DirecTV-owned services. The resolution was announced by a Tegna spokesperson who confirmed that the channel is being brought back "as we speak."

"DirecTV and Tegna greatly appreciate the patience of their subscribers and viewers," said the two companies in a joint press release, expressing gratitude to their loyal audience.

The news also came as a relief to Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, who had been urging Tegna and AT&T to return to the negotiating table in order to resolve the dispute. In a letter to the FCC earlier this week, Senator Brown emphasized that Ohioans "want to be able to check the local weather, cheer on their favorite teams, and stay up to date on local news without disruption."

Carriage disputes, which involve negotiations regarding the fees paid by satellite, streaming, and cable providers to networks or station owners for the right to carry programming, have become increasingly common in recent years. This trend has led to prolonged blackouts that have left viewers frustrated and inconvenienced.

The timing of the agreement is particularly significant, as it ensures that Browns fans will not miss out on the team's first playoff game in three years. The game, which is set to take place in Houston at 4:30 p.m., will also be available for viewers without access to NBC on platforms such as Peacock, NFL+, and in Spanish on Telemundo.

With the contract dispute finally resolved, local football enthusiasts can now look forward to cheering on the Browns as they strive to secure victory against the Texans in this highly anticipated playoff showdown.