Spectrum Cable Deceptive Billing Class Action

A class-action lawsuit filed in 2025 accuses Spectrum (a brand of Charter Communications) of charging customers a recurring fee called the “Broadcast TV Surcharge” (sometimes also “Broadcast TV Fee” or “Retransmission Fee”) while misleadingly labeling it as a government or broadcaster-imposed charge.

The allegation: that surcharge isn’t really a pass-through cost from stations or regulators. Instead the suit claims Spectrum uses it to quietly increase its revenue, while presenting customers with low advertised rates that don’t reflect the real cost of service.

For example: In Kentucky, the plaintiff alleges the fee is roughly $28 per month per customer. 
Over time that adds up: $28/month × 12 = $336 per year for just that one line item. If you’ve been with the service for years, the cumulative cost can be significant.

Why it matters

1. Hidden cost vs advertised cost
   If Spectrum markets a plan for, say, $70/month but then adds this surcharge (and maybe other fees) without making it clear in the advertising, customers may not know the true cost until the bill arrives. That’s part of what the lawsuit claims. 

2. Misleading representation
   The complaint claims Spectrum represented the surcharge as mandatory or out-of-its-control (government fee or station cost)—but in fact, it may have been under Spectrum’s control entirely. 

3. Industry-wide effect
   If this suit succeeds, it could force more transparency in how cable companies disclose fees. That means better bills and fewer surprises for subscribers.

4. Financial impact on consumers
   Even a seemingly small monthly fee becomes a burden over time. The article from LawyersInventory notes how families already battling budgets can end up paying hundreds more than they expected.

How the lawsuit is structured & key allegations

• Who sued? The lead plaintiff is Richard Wookey, a former broadcaster from Louisville, Kentucky. He filed the class action in June 2025.

• Where? U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky (case number: 3:25-cv-00408) for one of the filings.

• What’s being alleged?

  • False advertising: presenting the surcharge as a pass-through cost.

  • Breach of contract: billing more than what the customer agreed or was led to believe.

  • Unjust enrichment: Spectrum earning profit from a fee that’s misleadingly labeled.

  • Violations of consumer protection laws (in Kentucky, and potentially other states). 

• How many people? The class could include thousands of subscribers. One report says >3,000 people have already joined the Kentucky case.

Common mistakes/subscriber pitfalls

• Not checking your bill: You sign up for a “basic” plan, think you locked a rate, then the surcharge appears and your actual cost is higher.

• Ignoring fine print: The surcharge may be buried in the bill or called something vague like “Broadcast TV Fee” or “Retransmission Fee.”

• Assuming it’s mandatory: Because the fee is presented as required by outside entities, many assume they can’t avoid it—when in fact the suit claims Spectrum controls it.

• Forgetting cumulative cost: $20-$30/month might look small, but over years it becomes a large extra payment.

What happens if you don’t act

If you ignore this and keep paying, you may effectively lose out on potential refunds or credits if the case settles and you were eligible. Also, you continue to pay more than you should (arguably) for your service. On the other hand, Spectrum could be forced to stop similar billing practices, but only if individuals (or the class) hold them accountable.

What you can do right now

• Review past bills: Look for line items labeled “Broadcast TV Surcharge,” “retransmission consent fee,” or similar.

• Determine eligibility: Are you a Spectrum cable TV customer (not just internet)? Did you pay the surcharge in Kentucky (or another state if the case broadens)? 

• Join the class: The complaint is seeking refunds and injunctive relief. Law firms (such as Winton & Hiestand) are handling the case.

• File complaints: If you’re outside the class jurisdiction, you can still file a complaint with your state attorney general or the FCC.

• Negotiate or switch: While you wait on this litigation, you might call Spectrum to question the fee or review alternative providers with clearer pricing.

What’s the current status & possible outcomes

As of mid-2025:

• The case is ongoing, no settlement yet announced. 

• If successful, outcomes may include: refunds/credits for affected subscribers, changes in bill disclosure practices, and injunctions preventing similar fee abuse. 

• Potential ripple effects: other cable/internet providers might face similar scrutiny.

Why you should care

If you’ve been a Spectrum TV subscriber and you felt like your bill climbed unexpectedly for no clear reason — this is relevant. It’s not just about one hidden fee. It’s about transparency, trust, and whether big companies can advertise one rate but deliver another.

Even if you’re not included in this specific case (maybe you live outside Kentucky or you used Spectrum internet only), these issues raise bigger questions about how subscription services charge and disclose fees overall.

Final thoughts

The “Broadcast TV Surcharge” class action against Spectrum is a good reminder to not just look at the advertised “monthly rate” for a service — look at what you actually pay. Hidden fees matter. Over time they build up.
If you discover the surcharge on your bill and it wasn’t clearly explained, you have options. The lawsuit might cover you. But either way: review your bill, ask questions, and keep your subscription costs honest.

That’s a lot of detail, but it’s worth it. Because when you pay for a service you signed up for, you deserve to know what you’re paying — not just later, but upfront.

Lawyers 9:53 PM