Directv Customers Stand to Lose Big Name Networks Tonight
By: Michael C. Fehn
Updated: July 10, 2012
At the stroke of midnight tonight, a little more than 12 hours away as
of this writing, more than 20 million subscribers of satellite TV
provider, Directv, could lose 18 networks distributed by Viacom.
The two companies are in the middle of intense negotiations to keep networks like MTV, BET, VH1, Spike TV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon on the Directv service. However, as with any negotiation, money, and a lot of it, is at stake, and both sides are quick to blame the other for why it's coming down to the wire.
Viacom says Directv has been underpaying for the company's programming for quite some time, while Directv claims Viacom is merely trying to bilk an extra billion dollars a year from its customers.
Carriage disputes like this are not uncommon in the satellite and cable industry, and many of them do work themselves out, even at the last second. Both companies have set up websites explaining their side of the story to Directv's customers. Links to those websites are below.
Viacom's side of the story
Directv's side of the story
Regardless of what happens with the Viacom deal, be assured that Local 7 and WEHT Local are not part of these negotiations and Directv customers will still have access to our programming when the clock strikes midnight.
The two companies are in the middle of intense negotiations to keep networks like MTV, BET, VH1, Spike TV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon on the Directv service. However, as with any negotiation, money, and a lot of it, is at stake, and both sides are quick to blame the other for why it's coming down to the wire.
Viacom says Directv has been underpaying for the company's programming for quite some time, while Directv claims Viacom is merely trying to bilk an extra billion dollars a year from its customers.
Carriage disputes like this are not uncommon in the satellite and cable industry, and many of them do work themselves out, even at the last second. Both companies have set up websites explaining their side of the story to Directv's customers. Links to those websites are below.
Viacom's side of the story
Directv's side of the story
Regardless of what happens with the Viacom deal, be assured that Local 7 and WEHT Local are not part of these negotiations and Directv customers will still have access to our programming when the clock strikes midnight.
