The quest for retransmission consent cash appears to be the reason for distant channels being dropped.
In an area with 2+ of the same affiliate, the in-market station will drop its demand for cash, in exchange for being the exclusive affilate on that system. In Jackson (while both are out of market), WMC-TV probably told Charter that we will not charge you, if you drop WSMV and WMC will be the only NBC provider on your system. While this dilutes their quest for cash, WMC will secure more eyeballs that want to view NBC watching their ads rather than watching WSMV. That appears to be a little more important than $$$$$. In return, the cable provider pays nothing, which is better than paying for two NBC affiliates (better ROI).
But where exclusive rights remain (in the city and immediate surrounding area with the Grade B signal), the broadcasts have exclusive rights to the network, bringing in an outside affiliate is a no-no, and the broadcasters can extort as much $$$$ as possible.
In an area with 2+ of the same affiliate, the in-market station will drop its demand for cash, in exchange for being the exclusive affilate on that system. In Jackson (while both are out of market), WMC-TV probably told Charter that we will not charge you, if you drop WSMV and WMC will be the only NBC provider on your system. While this dilutes their quest for cash, WMC will secure more eyeballs that want to view NBC watching their ads rather than watching WSMV. That appears to be a little more important than $$$$$. In return, the cable provider pays nothing, which is better than paying for two NBC affiliates (better ROI).
But where exclusive rights remain (in the city and immediate surrounding area with the Grade B signal), the broadcasts have exclusive rights to the network, bringing in an outside affiliate is a no-no, and the broadcasters can extort as much $$$$ as possible.