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Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer

Richard Lawler — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:42:00 EST

It wasn't that long ago that Dish Network was proudly offering AMC HD to its customers (especially since DirecTV didn't, which has since been rectified) but now the company is willing to let the network's contract expire this summer, taking new episodes of Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead away from subscribers. The source of the sudden animosity, according to a press release from AMC, is continuing litigation between it and Dish Network over dropping the Voom HD channels back in 2008, leading to them going dark soon after. The LA Times reports Dish Network claims the denial of its appeal on a decision in the case has nothing to do with its sudden change of heart is solely about AMC's high renewal cost for a relatively low viewership. Whatever you believe, the sniping and threats will likely continue right up until the contract runs out June 30th, which is at least long enough for this season of Mad Men to finish on its own.

Continue reading Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer

Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cablevision and Viacom settle lawsuit over live TV on iPad

Richard Lawler — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:44:00 EST

Well, that was anticlimactic. Viacom quickly sued Cablevision after the Optimum for iPad (now on iPhone and iPod Touch) app launched and allowed cable customers to stream the entire channel lineup on their tablets, but now they've resolved that and "an unrelated business matter". Viacom's case against Time Warner's similar offering is on hold while they also try to work out a deal, but Cablevision's stance from the start is that its approach fell within the existing agreements and they appear to have gotten their way. Just like most other channel carriage disputes, it was likely a deal on the supposedly unrelated issue that got things moving, but as long as we can keep watching Teen Mom in the kitchen, bathroom or out on the patio it doesn't really matter. Check the official statement from both companies after the break.

Continue reading Cablevision and Viacom settle lawsuit over live TV on iPad

Cablevision and Viacom settle lawsuit over live TV on iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T abruptly drops ESPN 3D from U-verse during the X-Games citing high price, low demand

Richard Lawler — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:34:00 EST

Support by AT&T U-verse for the fledgling ESPN 3D channel always seemed halfhearted, while it was one of the providers to carry the channel at launch it was the only one at that time to levy a $10 fee for the privilege of viewing. The good news for subscribers is that $10 fee is gone, but the bad news is the channel has exited stage left along with it yesterday, before the last night of ESPN's big X-Games broadcast in 3D with no apparent warning. AT&T's reason for the move follows after the break, which lays out the case that even despite interested viewers chipping in their Hamiltons it has decided with there's not enough demand to support the "high cost" of ESPN 3D. Slow down on ringing the death knell for 3D everywhere however, since AT&T is still hanging onto its 3D VOD movies, for now. Its willingness to make the rare move of dropping one of the sports leaders offerings definitely speaks to the niche status of 3D, but experience suggests this comes down to a dollars and cents decision across the entire swath of the ever growing ESPN / ABC / Disney family.

[Thanks, Larry]

Continue reading AT&T abruptly drops ESPN 3D from U-verse during the X-Games citing high price, low demand

AT&T abruptly drops ESPN 3D from U-verse during the X-Games citing high price, low demand originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC mandates data roaming after 3-2 vote, AT&T and Verizon aren't too happy about it

Sean Hollister — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:28:00 EST

Good news for small cellular carriers, and bad news for big ones today -- the Federal Communications Commission has decided to mandate data roaming by a 3-2 vote. Simply put, major carriers like AT&T and Verizon will be required to let you check your email and perform VoIP calls over their federally-licensed airwaves even if you're actually paying a regional carrier for your cellular coverage instead -- just as they've been required to do for voice and messaging since 2007. As you can imagine, Big Red and Ma Bell aren't exactly jumping for joy at the news, with both threatening to slow expansion into niche markets if they'll be forced to share their infrastructure. The victorious members of the FCC claim that this doesn't constitute common carriage because the big boys still get to negotiate "commercially reasonable" rates. Considering that two dissenting commissioners say that it is, indeed, common carriage, though, and thus beyond the powers granted to the FCC, we imagine we haven't heard the last of this debate. What happened to simply "incenting" the carriers to come to an agreement? Find statements from most every concerned party at the links below.

FCC mandates data roaming after 3-2 vote, AT&T and Verizon aren't too happy about it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 retransmission dispute roundup: which channels may go dark at midnight

Richard Lawler — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST

It's a yearly thing, with contracts between TV stations and pay-TV providers due to expire just as the ball drops for the New Year it's increasingly hard to tell which channels will still be around when 2011 dawns. Check out our list below to see which ones are on the chopping block and which ones have already reached a new agreement this time around. If you spot any we've missed let us know in the comments or if there are any last minute reprieves, updates or extensions.

Update: Moved Suddenlink/Viacom, Time Warner/Sinclair to resolved

Expiring at midnight:

Dish Network vs. E!, Style -- Dish Network and Comcast are negotiating over the networks, with a contract expiring at midnight. Dish and Comcast are also fighting over Comcast SportsNet California, which has been off the air since November 24

Resolved:

Hearst vs. DirecTV - Covering 29 stations across the country including CBS, ABC and CW affiliates
Insight vs. Raycom - Three stations in Louisville, Evansville and Cincinnati
Suddenlink vs. Viacom - Not only will Suddenlink keep Viacom stations like MTV, VH1 and Spike, but it will also be adding EPIX "in the next few months," without raising its subscribers rates
Time Warner Cable vs. Sinclair Broadcast Group -- Sinclair owns ABC, CBS, Fox, CW, MyNetworkTV and NBC affiliates in 35 markets which it will pull at midnight including San Antonio, Pittsburgh and Tampa. Time Warner claims it will still be able to provide programming from the "Big 4" networks in those areas without Sinclair, although viewers may miss their local news stations -- This isn't fully resolved, but negotiations have been extended until January 14th. Details here.

2011 retransmission dispute roundup: which channels may go dark at midnight originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U-verse loses HGTV, Food & other Scripps networks during latest carriage dispute

Richard Lawler — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:08:00 EST

Well, we can't say we weren't warned. It appears AT&T and Scripps Networks have been unable to reach a price for the family of TV channels including HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and GAC, resulting in them disappearing at 1 a.m. last night. Naturally, each side has issued press releases (included after the break) and put up websites accusing the other of being unreasonable, unfair, and undoubtedly being the cause of the mess though curiously this time around it's the content provider Scripps claiming U-verse refused an extension while negotiations continued. In the meantime, AT&T suggests subscribers check out TLC and others on a free preview to fill the gap -- we'll see how long that lasts, it's the real Bobby Flay or nothing where we come from.

Continue reading U-verse loses HGTV, Food & other Scripps networks during latest carriage dispute

U-verse loses HGTV, Food & other Scripps networks during latest carriage dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fox blackout on Cablevision ends after 14 day standoff, glaring contest continues on

Ben Drawbaugh — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 20:29:00 EST

Evidently missing the first two games of the World Series was about all Cablevision thought it subscribers could take, as news just hit the wire: the fourteen-day standoff is over and both tonight's game three of the World Series and tomorrow's Jets vs Packers game are available to subscribers. While these carriage disputes are pretty common, it is very rare for channels to be pulled and downright unheard of for a channel as popular as Fox. It came to this because Cablevision was very unhappy about News Corp's new terms and after many pleas to the FCC and politicians to intervene, an advertising campaign, and eventually an unaccepted offer to match the price that Time Warner Cable pays, a deal has finally been done. Not exactly all's well that ends well, though, as Cablevision released the following statement: "In the absence of any meaningful action from the FCC, Cablevision has agreed to pay Fox an unfair price for multiple channels of its programming including many in which our customers have little or no interest." Talk about sour grapes. Well at least we can hope that Cablevision's efforts paid off a little bit and your cable bill won't go up as much as it would've if the outage never occurred to begin with. We can hope.

Continue reading Fox blackout on Cablevision ends after 14 day standoff, glaring contest continues on

Fox blackout on Cablevision ends after 14 day standoff, glaring contest continues on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fox, Dish Network deal means no network TV blackout, FX & sports networks back on

Richard Lawler — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:13:00 EST

Just that fast, it's like it all never happened. Fox and Dish Network have cut a deal to restore programming from the giant's channels including 19 regional sports networks, FX and National Geographic Channel. No word yet on the terms of the deal, but the key is it arrived in time to avoid a possible November 1 Cablevision-style (still ongoing btw, and getting nastier than ever with allegations of cable recommended piracy and unfair dealing) blackout of Fox in many cities during the World Series. Check out the press release after the break, or just go through and queue up a few episodes of Always Sunny in Philadelphia on the ol' 922.

[Thanks, Justin]

Continue reading Fox, Dish Network deal means no network TV blackout, FX & sports networks back on

Fox, Dish Network deal means no network TV blackout, FX & sports networks back on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Television networks block Google TV from accessing web-based content (update)

Sean Hollister — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:01:00 EST

You may be able to watch The Office on your Google TV, but perhaps not on demand -- ABC, CBS and NBC are barring Sony and Logitech's web-infused TVs and set-top-boxes from accessing full episodes of streaming video content. The Wall Street Journal reports that all three networks have confirmed the ban, and that Fox hasn't yet reached a decision on whether it will ban Google TV as well. For its part, Google says that it's "ultimately the content owners' choice to restrict their fans from accessing their content on the platform," so don't expect the search company to pitch in, unless it can work out some premium arrangements for all parties involved. This is the part where we'd normally direct you to the simple browser tweak that made Hulu accessible when it pulled the very same stunt, but alas, we're finding Hulu too is once again blocked.

Update: Reuters reports that Google is "actively negotiating" with the three networks after all.

Television networks block Google TV from accessing web-based content (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cablevision updates its anti-Fox message as blackout continues

Richard Lawler — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:37:00 EST

For those in need of an update, the Fox/Cablevision dispute continues to drag on. Customers who try to tune into the channels on Cablevision are seeing an updated message (after the break) from the company calling out Fox for not accepting its offer of arbitration. Multichannel News mentions the parties met briefly Monday, and may again on Wednesday, with Fox claiming Cablevision refuses to accept the same terms accepted by other providers in the market. ESPN New York found some sports fans waiting things out at the local bar, but if this extends to the World Series and the Yankees advance, things could get ugly.

Continue reading Cablevision updates its anti-Fox message as blackout continues

Cablevision updates its anti-Fox message as blackout continues originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: What do you do when channels go blank?

Richard Lawler — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:44:00 EST

Disputes over fees that result in channels being blacked out seem to be occurring more regularly than ever, and as we've found out can even extend to internet access for streaming TV shows. So what would you do, or have you done when (insert channel here) goes off the air after negotiations for a new contract stall right before (insert major TV event here) airs and even John Kerry can't make it right? We remember the great Viacom dispute of 2008, if we had missed even a single episode of The Hills, there would have been serious repercussions for all involved.

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Poll: What do you do when channels go blank? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fox channels (Fox5, My9) disappear from Cablevision lineup

Richard Lawler — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 02:42:00 EST

The latest edition of the carriage disputes is also the most damaging, especially to sports fans in the New York area, as several Fox stations are no longer available to Cablevision subscribers. Naturally Fox and Cablevision have done the blame each other dance (both press releases are after the break) and set up websites arguing each side, but we're pretty sure the only real question here is if Fox5, My9 and the other networks will be back on the air in time for the NLCS which starts tonight, the New York Giants football game on Sunday, and potentially the World Series. Reports from the L.A. Times indicate Fox wants fees for its channel to reach $1 per subscriber, per month, plus deals for its cable channels. The FCC and several elected officials have tried to intervene and Cablevision has proposed entering binding arbitration but to no avail, now all that's left is the waiting to see if one side will blink.

Continue reading Fox channels (Fox5, My9) disappear from Cablevision lineup

Fox channels (Fox5, My9) disappear from Cablevision lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 02:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U-verse preps customers for carriage disputes and missing channels

Richard Lawler — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:37:00 EST

Already involved in a carriage dispute with Hallmark Channel, AT&T's gotten out in front of a possible new carriage dispute with Scripps Networks Interactive by notifying customers what channels they could lose at month's end. Others are also on the block unless a new deal is worked out, including FamilyNet, EWTN and Bloomberg, but Scripps' DIY Network, Food Network, HGTV and others are the most notable. Our friends at ZatzNotFunny recently linked up a Bloomberg article detailing the rising number of retrans fee disputes and discussing the reasons behind them, as content providers and operators continue to try to squeeze profits out of their existing business model while still expanding into new ones, all without raising rates so rapidly customers complain.

[Thanks, Salman]

U-verse preps customers for carriage disputes and missing channels originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fox, Dish play the blame game over disappearing FX, sports networks

Richard Lawler — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:58:00 EST

The latest carriage dispute is already a few days old and shows no signs of breaking yet, as Fox and Dish Network square off. Naturally both have issued the usual press releases and promotional websites blaming the other but at the moment, the only thing to know is for Dish customers, Fox regional sports networks, National Geographic Channel and FX are off the air. For its part, Dish is throwing in CBS College Sports, NBA TV, NHL Network, NBig Ten Network and a few others for affected customers. Of course, that doesn't do much for missing the conclusion of pennant races in baseball or preseason NBA games hitting many of those RSNs, though Fox claims things could get worse -- November 1 Fox and MyNetworkTV could be next to go.

Fox, Dish play the blame game over disappearing FX, sports networks originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DirecTV will have ESPN 3D at launch, next to its own N3D channel

Richard Lawler — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:15:00 EST

Not that we ever doubted they would, but DirecTV and ESPN have made official plans to make ESPN 3D available to the satellite broadcaster's millions of customers as soon as it launches June 11 with the South Africa / Mexico World Cup game. Better news? There's no additional charge for ESPN 3D, at least for now, though of course you will need a 3DTV to make any use of the signal. The only other new news is a name for DirecTV's native Panasonic-sponsored linear 3D network, now dubbed N3D (Get it? In 3D? ...Yeah, we didn't either.) Now the only wait is to see if DirecTV can shove its own 3D exclusive in the competition's face (doubtful) or if we hear about any other carriage announcements between now and NAB 2010.

DirecTV will have ESPN 3D at launch, next to its own N3D channel originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WABC-7 comes back on Cablevision, return to Oscar watching at DEFCON 4

Richard Lawler — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:23:00 EST

Just that fast, the situation has been defused, as ABC-7 has suddenly reappeared on the screens of Cablevision viewers. It's been off for less than a day but despite missing a great Magic/Lakers matchup earlier in the day it's on just in time to see if Avatar actually takes the Best Picture trophy home for the 3D camp. The statement from WABC-TV president Rebecca Campbell:

"We've made significant progress, and have reached an agreement in principle that recognizes the fair value of ABC7, with deal points that we expect to finalize with Cablevision. Given this movement, we're pleased to announce that ABC7 will return to Cablevision households while we work to complete our negotiations."

No word on what those "deal points" are, but as long as our friend @Gartenberg gets to watch his Castle it's probably all for the best.

WABC-7 comes back on Cablevision, return to Oscar watching at DEFCON 4 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WABC-7 pulled from Cablevision on the eve of the Oscars or two days before Lost

Richard Lawler — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:29:00 EST

Depending on your personal calendar, the removal of WABC-7's signal from Cablevision in New York is potentially tragic for different reasons but all in all it's a very familiar scene. Fresh off its standoff with Scripps over Food Network and HGTV, Cablevision is rumbling with Disney over the same issue that nearly caused Time Warner customers to miss Fox-broadcasted bowl games around New Years Day (and yes, Senator John Kerry is involved, again) -- will the cable company pay to carry what's available free OTA? With both sides firmly dug in slinging accusations back and forth via screen crawls and press releases (propaganda from both sides embedded after the break) the most interesting wrinkle is Cablevision's suggestion that users just go online and check out primetime programming via ABC.com or Hulu (or grab an antenna for some digital TV love, whatever works.) These things can turn at a moments notice so we'll wait see if the fighting is resolved in time for an afternoon NBA Finals flashback as the Lakers take on the Magic, or for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards at 8:30 p.m. No matter what happens, if things aren't back to normal by Tuesday we'd evacuate the city, a Lostie without their fix is a dangerous thing.

Continue reading WABC-7 pulled from Cablevision on the eve of the Oscars or two days before Lost

WABC-7 pulled from Cablevision on the eve of the Oscars or two days before Lost originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Food Network, HGTV are back on Cablevision

Richard Lawler — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:59:00 EST

It took three weeks, but Scripps & Cablevision have settled their differences, allowing Food Network and HGTV to return to New York area cable customers this afternoon. Both sides had plenty of tough talk New Year's Day when the channels disappeared, but all that's faded into the general "we're glad to be back on" PR-speak. Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed but we hear Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri will be suiting up for the Knicks tonight, which could explain the lengthy negotiations.

Food Network, HGTV are back on Cablevision originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's 2010 - Fox is still on TWC (for now) but Food & HGTV are off Cablevision

Richard Lawler — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:17:00 EST

As two digits flipped over last night we waited to see if Fox and Time Warner Cable would work out their differences or turn channels dark.... and waited... and waited until we finally dozed off. As it stands, thanks to a series of extensions and ongoing negotiations, the channels are still on, but there's no new deal. As long as that remains to be the case, many football fans and several members of the government should be quite pleased, but in a New Year's Day surprise, Cablevision has rid itself of two networks on its service - Food Network and HGTV. While we've been upset by reports of some odd aspect ratio stretching on HGTV, these channels have their own fans that are upset to see them missing. Cablevision's posture seems to be that they won't be coming back, but parent company Scripps has already launched campaigns at ILoveHGTV.com and ILoveFoodNetwork.com for viewers to appeal for their return. We'll keep an eye on the ongoing Fox/TWC spat, though we're sure they wouldn't suddenly let channels go dark right before the Sugar Bowl tonight, would they?

It's 2010 - Fox is still on TWC (for now) but Food & HGTV are off Cablevision originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Senator Kerry asks Fox & Time Warner to keep the Bowl Games on

Richard Lawler — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:38:00 EST

As the New Year's Day deadline closes in, the Time Warner Cable - Fox standoff has gained another participant, Senator John Kerry. He's sent a letter to executives at both companies in hopes to avoid a New Year's Day blackout that could pull the network's Bowl Games (Cotton, Sugar, Fiesta, Orange) from sports loving cable subscribers. This is a bit of a habit for the senator, who has previously put his two cents in on the Comcast/TWC & NFL Network dispute. What he's asking for from the two is that if an agreement isn't reached, they continue transmitting at least through the College Bowl season under the current terms. Some may question such a letter on the grounds that this doesn't deserve such attention, or whether it will have any effect, but we're happy someone is standing up for viewers stuck in the middle and only have one question: Can we push that extension out to cover the season premiere of 24?

Senator Kerry asks Fox & Time Warner to keep the Bowl Games on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner, Fox trade shots on who to blame when you can't see the bowl games

Richard Lawler — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:11:00 EST

Time Warner didn't say who it was targeting with the heavily-slanted RollOverorGetTough (Spanish language version available at www.cederoponersefirme.com) website recently, but now that Fox has yelped like a hit dog and launched its own campaign at KeepFoxOn.com we can see where this is going. While Time Warner's latest press release claims victory from over 400,000 visitors overwhelmingly voting in favor of Getting Tough on price gouging programmers, Fox is claiming it seeks only "fair compensation" and is fulfilling its "responsibility" to prepare viewers for losing their channels. The Fox website hypes up switching to satellite and all the programming that could be lost if Time Warner does not opt to continue its agreement to carry Fox networks, and pointing out everything that's at stake: House, 24, several BCS games and more. The only ones we truly have sympathy for are the customers in the middle, hopefully this slapfight ends in time for them to avoid missing even a second of precious TV, just like the great Viacom near-miss of '08 - '09.

Time Warner, Fox trade shots on who to blame when you can't see the bowl games originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Network & Comcast could be close to a deal, moving channel to digital basic

Richard Lawler — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:23:00 EST

Not that we usually put much stock in Peter King's NFL rumors, but word is the NFL Network and Comcast are close to working out a deal that will put the channel right where the NFL wanted it all along, on the regular digital cable package instead of the added-price sports tier. Since the channel didn't disappear May 1 as threatened, it would seem an agreement on pricing has been reached and according to King things were nearly finished on Thursday and Friday but the two have been hammering out final details even today. We'll see if this really happens, and not a moment too soon negotiations also under way with Fox, CBS and NBC and labor talks due to get under way with the Players Association.

Filed under: Industry, Cable, Sports

NFL Network & Comcast could be close to a deal, moving channel to digital basic originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 May 2009 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Network remaining on Comcast, for the time being

Richard Lawler — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:08:00 EST

As you already know, the NFL Network's contract with Comcast expires tonight, and while the two fight it out over where the channel belongs, on basic cable or a sports tier, it's been threatening to leave the cable company's lineup altogether. Not quite at the 11th hour however, comes word from the Comcast Voices blog that the two are still trying to work things our and due to currently "productive discussions" NFL Network will stay on Comcast systems for now. It'll still be some time be some time before their court case has a ruling, but we're sure your voice on the matter has already been heard.

Filed under: Industry, Cable, Sports

NFL Network remaining on Comcast, for the time being originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Who is right in the NFL Network / Comcast battle?

Richard Lawler — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

The hearing is over and both sides have presented their cases to the judge, but it could be up to a month before there's a ruling on the NFL Network vs. Comcast case, and with the channel due to disappear in just a few more days we're leaving the decision up to you. Who do you roll with, the sports channel arguing the cable giant won't open up its lucrative massive subscriber base while keeping them tied to its own useless channels, or the cable company protesting too high subscriber fees for a niche product? Submit your amius briefs in the comments.

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Filed under: Polls, Cable, Sports, New content

Poll: Who is right in the NFL Network / Comcast battle? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DISH & NFL work out a new multiyear agreement

Richard Lawler — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:24:00 EST

Things haven't all been sweet between DISH Network and NFL Network, wrangling over details of their agreement since '06, but a new deal should keep the channel on the Classic Silver 200 package for years to come. Combined with DirecTV's new Sunday Ticket deal satellite dish owning football fans can rest easy, but it still looks like Comcast subs will be sweating it out 'til the end of the month.

[Via USA Today]

Filed under: Industry, Satellite, Sports

DISH & NFL work out a new multiyear agreement originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epix (and it's Hollywood backers) looking to shake up premium cable

Richard Lawler — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:55:00 EST

Now that it finally has a name, the Viacom / Lionsgate / MGM backed Epix can finally be a bit more forthcoming about its plans as a premium movie channel to rival HBO, Starz and Showtime. Now the question is whether the new channel will get the $1.50 per subscriber fee it's asking from potential cable and satellite providers, which could make that planned fourth quarter launch dicier than first imagined. Still, the studios seem entrenched behind the idea of improving their prospects for profiting from their newest, hottest movies like Cloverfield, even in these economic times, so we wouldn't be surprised to see a very Big Ten Network-style standoff in the making.

Filed under: Industry, Cable, Internet, Satellite, New content

Epix (and it's Hollywood backers) looking to shake up premium cable originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunflower Broadband subs say goodbye to Kansas City's KMBC-ABC and KCWE-CW

Darren Murph — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:14:00 EST

Time Warner Cable subscribers managed to avert a crisis early this morning, but it seems that Sunflower Broadband customers aren't so lucky. As it stands, KMBC-ABC and KCWE-CW -- both owned by Kansas City's Hearst-Argyle Television -- are being dropped from the provider. Both channels were being transmitted to customers in SD and HD, and until an agreement can be worked out, Sunflower has arranged to retransmit ABC Topeka affiliate KTKA in SD / HD so that customers can at least view ABC material. The good (or better, we should say) news? The carrier has vowed to "work around the clock with Hearst-Argyle to restore KMBC and KCWE under terms that are fair to its customers." And now, we wait.

Filed under: Misc, ABC, The CW, Fiber

Sunflower Broadband subs say goodbye to Kansas City's KMBC-ABC and KCWE-CW originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Cable Association calls out Viacom's annoying crawl

Richard Lawler — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:47:00 EST

We're not sure how this demand will be received, but the American Cable Association's argument is simple: if only Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks subs are in danger of losing MTV Networks channels at the stroke of midnight, why are we all bothered with an annoying crawl message? Of course, that plea is couched by statements backing TWC and BHN's reluctance to agree to new higher programming fees, but those of us eagerly anticipating a Miley-Sized surprise during tonight's NYE celebration that have a different provider could do without the interruptions.

Filed under: Industry, MHD, Cable

American Cable Association calls out Viacom's annoying crawl originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable threatens Viacom with the ghosts of Christmas past

Richard Lawler — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:21:00 EST

Time Warner Cable CEO & President Glenn Britt says don't blame him, blame sliding advertising and falling ratings for Viacom's lost revenue and subsequent Scrooge-style "extortion" of TWC customers to keep MTV Networks on after the ball drops tonight. Beyond the outrageous claim that viewers might be tuning away from My Super Sweet 16 marathons, Britt claims that "penny per subscriber per day" adds up to an unreasonable $39 million, while TWC nobly attempts to keep negotiations going on behalf of its customers. Oddly we find it hard to view either side as thinking of the customer first in this slapfight, but if we miss a single episode of Bromance before things are resolved, there will be hell to pay. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

Filed under: Industry, MHD, Cable

Time Warner Cable threatens Viacom with the ghosts of Christmas past originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viacom stations to go dark on Time Warner Cable

Darren Murph — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:25:00 EST

Bad news, Time Warner Cable subscribers. The cable carrier notorious for resisting HD expansion until a competitor rolls into town is getting ready to pull all 19 MTV Networks channels (MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and Comedy Central just to name a few, presumably including the HD versions). Viacom has just unleashed a scathing announcement that calls the carrier's refusal to pony up "outrageous," and publicly pleads for its bigwigs to reconsider and open up the checkbook. In essence, Viacom is asking for a fee increase of just under $0.25 per month, per subscriber -- which, admittedly, sounds rather high given the lack of MTV-related content that's a) watchable and b) in high-definition -- but TWC is straight-up refusing.

Now, we've no qualms with a provider balking at price increases, but while it's planning to let content vanish from lineups, it's also raising monthly rates by $3 in Raleigh, Orange County, Los Angeles and New York City. Ahem, TWC -- could you bother justifying these hikes by allowing us to keep our content? And don't even come at us with the "we just added more HD!" comment -- after all, you blast us everyday with ads proclaiming that your HD "is free." [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

Filed under: Industry, MHD, Cable

Viacom stations to go dark on Time Warner Cable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portland, Oregon's KATU booted from DISH Network

Darren Murph — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:33:00 EST

Oh, geez. Yet another cat fight akin to something you'd see on a third-grade playground between a greedy broadcast station and a greedy carrier. Portland, Oregon's KATU -- which can be received for free over-the-air -- has been dropped from DISH Network. A message on the station's website informs citizens that it had "been in negotiations with DISH in an attempt to reach a new agreement," but sadly, "those negotiations have not yet been successful." You now the story by now -- said station asserts that the carrier charges users a fee for access, and so rightfully, some of that fee should trickle back to the channel. The carrier, on the other hand, reckons that carriage should be free since it can easily be obtained by locals via an OTA antenna. We'll keep you posted on any developments, but until then, it's OTA or bust (or DirecTV / cable, to be honest) for resident DISH customers.

[Thanks, Lance and Jonny]

Filed under: Industry, Misc, ABC, Satellite

Portland, Oregon's KATU booted from DISH Network originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Sportsman Channel coming to DirecTV, HD not far behind?

Darren Murph — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:50:00 EST

In case the likes of RFD HD and World Fishing Network HD weren't enough to keep you planted in your overalls, The Sportsman Channel is gearing up to give DirecTV viewers some of that tasty outdoor goodness. The network has just recently inked a distribution deal that will see it added to the satcaster's CHOICE XTRA package in January 2009. Best of all, we're also hearing that TSC will be developing content in HD and will transition to a high-def channel in due time -- of course, there's no telling when that will happen, but if DirecTV is serious about maintain its clout in the HD quantity department, it'll be reeling it in just as soon as it's available.

[Thanks, Vanbrothers]

Filed under: Satellite, Sports, New content

The Sportsman Channel coming to DirecTV, HD not far behind? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LIN TV and Time Warner Cable strike a retransmission deal

Darren Murph — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:42:00 EST

This is one of those rare cases where the headline tells all: TWC and LIN TV have finally agreed to put their differences aside and strike a retransmission deal. In other words, those 17 LIN TV-owned local stations that have been dark for the past few weeks should be back online at any moment. LIN TV's President and Chief Executive Officer Vincent L. Sadusky was quoted as saying that it was "pleased to have reached a fair market agreement with Time Warner Cable," and he continued by calling the deal "a mutually acceptable economic agreement." While we can't imagine he said that with a straight face, we're just glad you folks won't have to rely on any more EPG trickery to watch the (possible) final game of the World Series tonight. Or tomorrow. Or whenever Philadelphia decides to stop acting like Siberia.

[Image courtesy of Britannica, thanks Dayton Guy and Brian]

Filed under: Industry, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Cable

LIN TV and Time Warner Cable strike a retransmission deal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LIN TV-owned stations go dark across many TWC systems

Darren Murph — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:54:00 EST

Reports have been flooding in from across Ohio, Indiana and Texas to confirm the cold, hard truth: LIN TV has begun removing its stations from Time Warner Cable systems. Last month, we found that the two were still in disagreement over carriage terms, with LIN TV wanting TWC to pony up to carry stations that could otherwise be fetched OTA for free. Amazingly, they let the October 2nd deadline come and go without even a stopgap deal, meaning that some locals in Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Austin, Green Bay, Buffalo and a handful of other cities have now vanished from TWC's EPG. In a posting made on the carrier's site, it bluntly states that LIN TV is "trying to make up for lower ratings and advertising revenue by adding fees that will fall, ultimately, on the backs of our cable customers." Granted, that's only one half of the story, but here's the bottom line: you two need to come to terms, and fast.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Industry, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Cable

LIN TV-owned stations go dark across many TWC systems originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hong Kong's All Sports Network nabs NHL distribution rights in much of Asia

Darren Murph — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:45:00 EST

The NHL may not have the viewership in America as, say, the NFL, but that doesn't mean it can't find fans elsewhere. In a rather unexpected move, Hong Kong-based All Sports Network (ASN) has signed a multi-year deal to posses rights for broadcasting NHL matchups throughout much of Asia (India, South Korea and China included). Over 130 upcoming regular-season games will be televised on ASN's Yes TV along with the All-Star game, playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final. The good news? The broadcast rights include "all forms of television, including HDTV." The bad? Japan, Australia and New Zealand have been excluded from the agreement.

[Image courtesy of The Globe & Mail]

Filed under: Sports, New content

Hong Kong's All Sports Network nabs NHL distribution rights in much of Asia originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable, LIN TV bicker over retransmission fees

Darren Murph — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:30:00 EST

While we singled out TWC's spat with Dayton's own WDTN, the issue spreads much, much further. As of now, 15 LIN TV-owned stations are at risk of falling off of Time Warner Cable if the two can't reach an agreement before October 2nd. Since July of this year, LIN TV has attempted to extract a presumably large amount of cash from the carrier in order to seal the deal on a long-term agreement for both analog and high-def signals. As of now, local stations in Austin, Buffalo, Columbus, Dayton, Ft. Wayne, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Mobile, Springfield (MA), Terre Haute and Toledo are at risk, but we have a pretty good feeling that the two will eventually work it out. 'Course, TWC won't enjoy paying through the nose in order to do so, but hey, that's life. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: CBS, The CW

Time Warner Cable, LIN TV bicker over retransmission fees originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Ten Networks lands on Bright House Michigan

Darren Murph — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:17:00 EST

Comcast, Charter and Time Warner Cable already wrapped up deals in at least some locales to get Big Ten Network out to its subscribers. Now, we've got Bright House Networks in Michigan doing the same. You all know the details by now -- more Big 10 in high-def -- but we're wondering if any other BHN markets got gifted as well. Chime in either way, will you?

[Thanks, Dean]

Filed under: Cable, Sports

Big Ten Networks lands on Bright House Michigan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cox Communications to carry Hallmark Movie Channel HD

Darren Murph — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:09:00 EST

Another month, another carrier picking up Hallmark Movie Channel HD. This time, we see Cox Communications landing an agreement with Crown Media Holdings in order to distribute the high-definition feed of Hallmark Movie Channel. The operator currently beams out the SD flavor along with Hallmark Channel, but this newly inked multi-year agreement ensures that fans of the network will soon be seeing an HD version. Exactly how soon, unfortunately, remains unanswered.

Filed under: Cable, New content

Cox Communications to carry Hallmark Movie Channel HD originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MountainWest Sports Network comes to DirecTV on August 27th

Darren Murph — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:04:00 EST

We already knew the MountainWest Sports Network was destined to land on DirecTV eventually, and while we had heard that September was looking like a good candidate for a launch month, fans of the conference will be delighted to know that it'll be going live on the satcaster this August. Beginning on Wednesday, August 27th -- just in time for the BYU opener against Northern Iowa on August 30th -- The Mtn. will go live on channel 616. Notably, it'll be available on DirecTV CHOICE (and higher packages) for Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Dallas / Fort Worth / San Diego, though customers outside of these regions will be required to subscribe to DirecTV's Sportspack. For more on what to expect from the network this football season, head southwest to the read link.

Filed under: Industry, Satellite, Sports, New content

MountainWest Sports Network comes to DirecTV on August 27th originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World Fishing Network HD officially on DISH Network

Darren Murph — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:21:00 EST

For those with DISH Network, chances are you've already realized that World Fishing Network HD joined the lineup this past Monday. Nevertheless, the channel -- along with Insight Sports -- is eager for the world to know that WFN HD has indeed landed a carriage agreement on the aforementioned satcaster. In case you couldn't guess from the channel's name, it promises to deliver 24 / 7 fishing action, including shows like Dave Mercer's Facts of Fishing, The New Fly Fisher, Fishing the Flats, Fins N' Skins Classic Adventures and George Poveromo's Saltwater Fishing. Never mind buying a rod and reel -- just kick back and watch the real anglers do it.

Filed under: Satellite, Sports, New content

World Fishing Network HD officially on DISH Network originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 May 2008 21:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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