[UPDATE] Cox Cable Reaches Deal With Channel 8

Cox Communications reached a deal with with LIN TV Corporation, owner of WTNH, WCTX and WWLP, to continue to carry the stations on Cox's cable line up in Cheshire and other central Connectucut towns. The agreement came just minutes before a midnight deadline Wednesday would have resulted in a in central Connecticut. 

Both Cox Communications and WTNH announced the contract renewal on their websites late Wednesday evening. 

"We are pleased to inform you that we have reached a contract with COX. We appreciate your tremendous support throughout these negotiations," WTNH announced.

Cox wrote on its website that it will contine to carry the stations on its lineup. "As a result of the agreement, there will not be an interruption in service and Cox customers can continue to view programming on these channels."

The new contract will allow viewers to see an episode of Judge Judy today on Channel 8 at 4:30 p.m. in which she negotiates a lease disagreement between teens.

As the contract deadline neared, WTNH-TV posted a video on its website to explain the reasons it hasn't reached an agreement with Cox on what it calls a "transmission dispute." The station suggests viewers use an antenna or select an alternative TV provider to continue to watch ABC programming.

Cox Communications stated on its website that the owner of WTNH, LIN TV Corporation, "is demanding a huge increase in programming costs."

Cox suggested viewers choose online video services such as www.abc.go.com, www.nbc.com or www.hulu.com.

Cox provides cable services to Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, North Haven, Southington and other north-central Connecticut towns.