Dartmouth residents may see one less Massachusetts news station on TV after Comcast announced a plan to drop WCVB Channel 5 from its Bristol County offerings in late November.

A number of Comcast customers — along with Massachusetts’ congressional delegation — are speaking out against the move from the telecommunications giant. 

The ABC news television station, owned by Hearst Communications, provides Boston and Massachusetts-based news to communities in the South Coast. 

Comcast announced on Nov. 20 that WCVB is one of over 35 channels from 31 different areas across the country that may be removed on Dec. 22 following the expiration of an agreement with the station’s broadcaster. 

The company noted that residents would be able to stream programming online or watch Providence-based ABC news station WLNE instead.

“We work with networks, local TV station owners, streaming companies and others to bring you a range of top programming,” the announcement from Comcast read. “As part of this process, we often have to make decisions about what we're able to offer...We're currently negotiating with the stations' owner to be able to continue carrying the signals of its stations.”

But many Bristol County customers expressed outrage in an online forum at the proposed change, stating that a Providence-based news station has less relevance to Massachusetts residents than a Boston-based one.

“This is absolutely crazy!!!” wrote one forum user. “I have watched WCVB news for over 30 years, why in the heck would I want to watch a Providence news station?? I live in Massachusetts and want Massachusetts news!! Just because we are close to the RI border, does not make me a Rhode Islander.”

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey as well as Representatives Bill Keating and Joe Kennedy III also weighed in on the issue, writing a letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and Hearst Television president Jordan Wertlieb on Dec. 3 to express their concern.

“The loss of this channel will prevent Bristol County residents from viewing a critical source of Massachusetts news and information over their set-top boxes,” the letter read. “Particularly during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, loss of access to this station would be harmful to Bristol County viewers who rely on state-specific announcements to stay healthy and safe.”