DirecTV is set to drop 26 Viacom channels, including Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, VH1, CMT, Spike TV and TV Land, at midnight on Tuesday after the media conglom said the satcaster ''rejected all of our proposals to renew our agreement.''

The development is shocking, potentially hitting one of the most powerful network groups in the nation, but comes after a dramatic dip in Nickelodeon ratings and an increasingly hard line by video operators against fee increases.

Viacom said it accounts for 20% of DirecTV viewing and less than 5% of its fees.

''DirecTV provided Viacom with a counter proposal that included a lower rate than Viacom receives from any other distributor in the industry. With this offer, our negotiations have reached an impasse,'' Viacom said.

It said it has been negotiating for months and offered DirecTV an extension past the agreement's original June 30 expiration date. As recently as Monday, it said it had made significant economic movement in direct conversations with DirecTV. The expired deal is seven years old, ''ancient by the standards of the ever-evolving media industry, which means that DirecTV has enjoyed way below market rates for Viacom's networks for a very long time.''

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118056385

Since I'm not a fan of Pay-TV companies or criminal outfits like Viacom etc... I hesitate to to take sides here. I'll just mention 2 things.It's probably the same ole' con game and they'll reach an agreement and resign Viacoms worthless channels.--In the unlikely event that they do not give in to Viacom,I say GOOD.Viacoms channels and many other Pay-TV channels for that matter have no business being on the air period.

As I read this, the One Percenters who own Viacom want to QUADRUPLE the fees they charge Direct TV. Naturally these costs would be passed on to subscribers, in the form of higher prices. Of course, this will only increase the number of people who have already cancelled their subscriptions to Pay-TV. I see the Hand writing on the wall folks, collapse is imminent !

The only channel of those I was is TV Land and only because of Hot in Cleveland. I get sick and tired of these Satellite and Cable companies and these networks holding the American people hostage. :mad:

As I read this, the One Percenters who own Viacom want to QUADRUPLE the fees they charge Direct TV. Naturally these costs would be passed on to subscribers, in the form of higher prices. Of course, this will only increase the number of people who have already cancelled their subscriptions to Pay-TV.
Viacom wants to actually increase their fees by 4 times?--I'll mention commercials once again,with all the ads they show they should actually PAY people to view their channels.I dunno, the whole TV industry has become such a complicated mess in America,maybe something like the real BBC channels or similair are needed here now.

The only channel of those I was is TV Land and only because of Hot in Cleveland. I get sick and tired of these Satellite and Cable companies and these networks holding the American people hostage. :mad:
The more I think about it let Direct Tv drop them. As far as I'm concerned, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, VH1, CMT, & Spike TV are nothing but trash channels anyway. I have enough Hot in Cleveland episodes on my DVR to last another year.

I have enough Hot in Cleveland episodes on my DVR to last another year.

I have enough DVDs to last the rest of my Life! :lol: :rofl: :rotflmao: :brent

Given the state of the economy I would think the customer will balk at a rate hike like what is being described. I say drop them, without the carrier they have no way to get their commercials seen and Viacom will lose money if DirectTV holds out. I can't think of anything on those channels I would miss and a rate hike to keep them seems to defy logic. As the prior post said we pay to get the channels then watch commercials on top of it, let Viacom choke on losing both.

The two will reach a deal at the last minute, customers will get a fee increase, and no one will care. It happens all the time.

The two will reach a deal at the last minute, customers will get a fee increase, and no one will care. It happens all the time.
Oh I'm sure they'll reach an agreement. I'm not even worried about that. They just publicize this to get the customers in a frenzy and to justify their rate increases.

I cancelled DirecTV over 10 years ago,They still send me brochures in the mail, " We miss you ".

Fair is fair.....while we may not watch all those channels, it's quite a bit to be removed and IF we lose them, Direct TV should lower our cost. I know they won't and don't promise us anything but it would be only be fair and just.

I cancelled DirecTV over 10 years ago,They still send me brochures in the mail, " We miss you ".

They miss your money, not you. :lol:

Fair is fair.....while we may not watch all those channels, it's quite a bit to be removed and IF we lose them, Direct TV should lower our cost. I know they won't and don't promise us anything but it would be only be fair and just.
One thing they will never do is lower your bill. lol

I don't watch any of those channels but if they are removed DirecTV should reduce their prices. They're already removing channels and putting them into the more expensive packages.

http://adage.com/article/media/viacom-parodies-directv-spots-battle-viewer-support/235948/

The Viacom vs. DirecTV (http://groups.google.com/group/alt.tv.mtv/browse_thread/thread/36041bed55c32749#) gets the commercial treatment.

I just checked my tv and I lost TV Land. They have a bunch of words saying that they are doing all they can to bring it back as soon as possible without increasing our fees. I'm so glad they care. I wonder if they're going to lower my bill while I wait.:rolleyes:

OUCH, that was is a HUGE loss. I think we all can agree that even though TV Land and N@N are not a factor anymore, it's still good to have both around when we are BORED:lol:

I just checked my tv and I lost TV Land. They have a bunch of words saying that they are doing all they can to bring it back as soon as possible without increasing our fees. I'm so glad they care. I wonder if they're going to lower my bill while I wait.:rolleyes:


That's f*cked up sonny. When you call customer service do you get a ENGLISH SPEAKING person?

That's f*cked up sonny. When you call customer service do you get a ENGLISH SPEAKING person?
Yea but they're never no help. They just switch you over to different departments until you tell them you're going to drop them. Then presto, they wanna help. lol

OUCH, that was is a HUGE loss. I think we all can agree that even though TV Land and N@N are not a factor anymore, it's still good to have both around when we are BORED:lol:
Most of those channels I don't watch but it's the principle of the thing.lol And I do watch TV Land for Hot in Cleveland but I supposed it will be back before it returns. I don't watch N@N at all anymore.

Yea but they're never no help. They just switch you over to different departments until you tell them you're going to drop them. Then presto, they wanna help. lol


Well atleast they speak English unlike the NUTS you hear when you call Comcast LOL

Well at least they have some nice music playing on it now. lol

I have no problem with them dropping these channels if it means they lower my bill.

The only way they'll lower your bill is if you downgrade.

DirecTV is offering the Encore channels until July 31 even if the Viacom channels return. Anyone with the packages that get already get Encore should call and get a credit. That is the best they'll do for you.

I called I already have the lowest package so I couldnt downgrade any further they gave me a $10 credit as well as the sports tier for free.

Drop 'em, DirecTV! Let Viacom either go under or be bought out by the Parents Television Council! :grineyes:

DirecTV Customers Free Encore Channels (535-542) until 07/31
http://www.directvpromise.com/oth..._2y25G3RLp

DirecTV Customers Free Encore Channels (535-542) until 07/31
http://www.directvpromise.com/oth..._2y25G3RLp
Yea I noticed I had them last night. I had dropped them a few years ago. They're good channels though better then anything Viacom has.

I have no problem with them dropping these channels if it means they lower my bill.

I would hope so. I never heard of a cable provider downgrading the entertainment of their service and the price staying the same

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/487039-Viacom_Yanks_Free_TV_Shows_From_Web_Amid_DirecTV_Impasse.php

Full-length episodes of "Jersey Shore" and "The Daily Show" have been yanked for everybody, not just DirecTV customers. PLUS: DirecTV and Viacom (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303740704577520483726195726.html) restart talks.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/487039-Viacom_Yanks_Free_TV_Shows_From_Web_Amid_DirecTV_Impasse.php

Full-length episodes of "Jersey Shore" and "The Daily Show" have been yanked for everybody, not just DirecTV customers. PLUS: DirecTV and Viacom (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303740704577520483726195726.html) restart talks.



aww no more SNOOKI??-LOL

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/487039-Viacom_Yanks_Free_TV_Shows_From_Web_Amid_DirecTV_Impasse.php

Full-length episodes of "Jersey Shore" and "The Daily Show" have been yanked for everybody, not just DirecTV customers. PLUS: DirecTV and Viacom (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303740704577520483726195726.html) restart talks.
Are they trying to get us back? They're talking me out of it.

Direct tv has set up channels for each with the chmn. of Direct tv talking. He goes over and over again how Viacom is responsible for us losing those channels and Direct TV is standing up for the little people. lol

Well, I might have cared about losing TV-Land... if it were 1996. Now? Eh, could care less. Same with those other rather rancid networks. Certainly can't muster any sympathy whatsoever for Viacom, a company that seems to specialize in bottom-feeding sleaze.

This might be a good thing. Jersey Shore could lose most of its audience and quickly be forgotten! :lol:

Well, I might have cared about losing TV-Land... if it were 1996. Now? Eh, could care less. Same with those other rather rancid networks. Certainly can't muster any sympathy whatsoever for Viacom, a company that seems to specialize in bottom-feeding sleaze.
Viacom has some awful channels, I can't even get that mad at this. I don't even have any idea what channel numbers Comedy central, MTV, VH-1, BET, CMT and Spike are even on. lol

Drop 'em, DirecTV! Let Viacom either go under or be bought out by the Parents Television Council! :grineyes:

They're using this incident to persuade subscribers to write their members of Congress, asking them pass legislation requiring A-La-Carte Programming.

They're using this incident to persuade subscribers to write their members of Congress, asking them pass legislation requiring A-La-Carte Programming.
People should be able to chose what channels they want. I'd probably only chose maybe 10-15 cable channels plus the locals.

Well, I might have cared about losing TV-Land... if it were 1996. Now? Eh, could care less. Same with those other rather rancid networks. Certainly can't muster any sympathy whatsoever for Viacom, a company that seems to specialize in bottom-feeding sleaze.


That's true, with ME-TV, the HUB, and Antenna TV who needs TV Land in 2012?-LOL

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Viacoms-TV-Channels-Decay/381676568517049

I started this Facebook page a while ago, but I'm quite sure that it's going to get some more volume in light of recent events!

If it isn't bad enough they have removed their programming from Direct TV now they are yanking shows from their on-line sources whether you are paying for a provider or not!

I hope they FALL! :mad: :angryfire

If it isn't bad enough they have removed their programming from Direct TV now they are yanking shows from their on-line sources whether you are paying for a provider or not!

I hope they FALL! :mad: :angryfire
They need us more then we need them. I'm getting so I hope direct TV removes the channels permanently. Replace them with better channels dedicated to classic tv. lol

Now DirecTV needs to step its game up and grab the rights to some of the over-the-air channels in each market. I hear ME TV and The Cool TV are way better than MTV and TV Land.

They need us more then we need them. I'm getting so I hope direct TV removes the channels permanently. Replace them with better channels dedicated to classic tv. lol

You hit the nail on the head '70s!

THEY CANNOT SURVIVE

WITHOUT US!!!

As all of you know, I'm no big fan of Pay-TV. There are Many other Conglomerates out there who are just as guilty as Viacom when it comes to shoddy programming. :angryfire However I do applaud them for taking a stand against one of the tyrants. If they were to cave in, the others will also demand huge fee increases, which of course will be passed on to consumers. I Think Direct TV knows this cannot be allowed, ESPECIALLY in today's :angryfire economy :angryfire. If allowed to continue unchecked, the Meltdown I see happening WILL Occur as these buffoons will eventually PRICE THEMSELVES OUT OF THE MARKET! I do feel sorry for the Employees of these companies. If they are forced to go "A-La-Carte" at least half these employees will lose their jobs, but a total collapse will result in ALL of them losing their jobs! :eek:

Now DirecTV needs to step its game up and grab the rights to some of the over-the-air channels in each market. I hear ME TV and The Cool TV are way better than MTV and TV Land.

And AntennaTV is good also. with it classic TV shows.

Antenna and Me-TV offered the satellite companies free carriage,and the satellite companies rejected them.Instead Direct TV still wants to reach an agreement with Viacoms rubbish 'channels'.

Directv offers METV.

Antenna tv would be nice though I get it OTA anyway.

Now DirecTV needs to step its game up and grab the rights to some of the over-the-air channels in each market. I hear ME TV and The Cool TV are way better than MTV and TV Land.

Me-TV is better than TV Land so it wouldn't be a huge loss

Disney Channel is one of the winners in my house now instead of watching Disney 65 percent of the time and Nickelodeon 35 percent of the time. My kids watch Disney 100 percent of the time.

Directv offers METV.

Antenna tv would be nice though I get it OTA anyway.
I have a small tv that's hooked up to Comcast so I can get Antenna TV . I get part of Me-TV on a local channel..

I have a small tv that's hooked up to Comcast so I can get Antenna TV . I get part of Me-TV on a local channel..


The quality of Antenna TV is kind of bad which is surprising since it's through Comcast

The quality of Antenna TV is kind of bad which is surprising since it's through Comcast
Mine comes in pretty good. I know that Ion actually comes in pretty good anymore now that they got rid of Alice. Back in those days it was really like antenna tv. lol

Mine comes in pretty good. I know that Ion actually comes in pretty good anymore now that they got rid of Alice. Back in those days it was really like antenna tv. lol


It's not bad just not as CRISP as the cable channels

Antenna and Me-TV offered the satellite companies free carriage,and the satellite companies rejected them.Instead Direct TV still wants to reach an agreement with Viacoms rubbish 'channels'.
Direct TV should pick them up. I get about 5 PBS stations. Who in the world needs that many? I don't even watch one.

Looks what is finally coming to DirecTV tomorrow... http://news.directv.com/2012/07/13/disney-junior-will-launch-saturday-july-14-to-millions-of-directv-customers-nationwide/

Couldn't be a more opportune time either.

Looks what is finally coming to DirecTV tomorrow... http://news.directv.com/2012/07/13/disney-junior-will-launch-saturday-july-14-to-millions-of-directv-customers-nationwide/

Couldn't be a more opportune time either.



Why is this exciting news

Disney Channel is one of the winners in my house now instead of watching Disney 65 percent of the time and Nickelodeon 35 percent of the time. My kids watch Disney 100 percent of the time.

Directv will be add Disney Jr Tomorrow July 14,2012 on channel 298

The quality of Antenna TV is kind of bad which is surprising since it's through Comcast

THIS TV is another good channel and is sister to METV

and AntennaTV is Sister station to WGN in Chicago.

I'm affected by this freeze out, and the only channel I'll miss even a little is Comedy Central, for South Park and Futurama.

My rates have gone up a LOT in the last five years, so much so that I actually consider getting rid of cable/satellite TV altogether. It's barely worth it now, let alone what it will be worth in the future. The programming is abysmal, and they keep charging me more for it. I hate the idea of not having a TV for news, etc, but honestly I can get most of that from the internet.

The writing is on the wall, I think.

I'm affected by this freeze out, and the only channel I'll miss even a little is Comedy Central, for South Park and Futurama.

My rates have gone up a LOT in the last five years, so much so that I actually consider getting rid of cable/satellite TV altogether. It's barely worth it now, let alone what it will be worth in the future. The programming is abysmal, and they keep charging me more for it. I hate the idea of not having a TV for news, etc, but honestly I can get most of that from the internet.

The writing is on the wall, I think.

When I "Cut the Cord" the only thing I missed was the Sports Channels, but I got over that. If there is a Sports Event I REALLY want to watch (Like Last January's Sugar Bowl) there's a Sports Pub within walking distance from my house. $6.00 for a Glass of Beer is a :devil: H:censored:LL :devil: of a lot Cheaper than :angryfire$129.00:angryfire for a monthly subscription fee! :D :lol: :rofl: :rotflmao: :brent

Why is this exciting news

I never said it was exciting. I said it was opportune.

Really, it's another worthless channel. Not just as a kids channel, but one that brings even more duplicated content.

Why is this exciting news

Well, with Nickelodeon and all of it's related channels gone, it does seems logical to offer another children's network since that type of programming is now lacking.

Well, with Nickelodeon and all of it's related channels gone, it does seems logical to offer another children's network since that type of programming is now lacking.


But not really a good replacement for N@N but i guess they have to try and offer something.

When I "Cut the Cord" the only thing I missed was the Sports Channels, but I got over that. If there is a Sports Event I REALLY want to watch (Like Last January's Sugar Bowl) there's a Sports Pub within walking distance from my house. $6.00 for a Glass of Beer is a :devil: H:censored:LL :devil: of a lot Cheaper than :angryfire$129.00:angryfire for a monthly subscription fee! :D :lol: :rofl: :rotflmao: :brent


Nothing can ever replace watching a sporting event in the comfort of your own home. Yeah it maybe cheaper but not like watching at home

$6.00 for a Glass of Beer is a :devil: H:censored:LL :devil: of a lot Cheaper than :angryfire$129.00

Not really, sports is the one thing you cant really replace by cutting the cord. You may be able to watch a few major events on the Networks but if you watched as much sports as I do then forget it.

Add up that $6 dollar beer 9 times and you payed my cable bill and thats less then one event per month.

Not really, sports is the one thing you cant really replace by cutting the cord. You may be able to watch a few major events on the Networks but if you watched as much sports as I do then forget it.

Add up that $6 dollar beer 9 times and you payed my cable bill and thats less then one event per month.


Bingo! Plus you have to buy something you can't just go inside and sit down and start watching the game

Bear in mind I only watch the Championship Events, which keeps the Beer Tab to an absolute minimum. :D

I feel sorry for all the Sports and News Junkies who HAVE to have access to your events all the time. The one-percenters who own the Media have you as their SLAVES.

Yep, SO glad that I don't have Direct TV! I'll keep my cable, thank you! And even though we can't get all the stations I'd like I think that has to do with the area we live in. I'm just hoping we'll get them eventually.

Yep, SO glad that I don't have Direct TV! I'll keep my cable, thank you! And even though we can't get all the stations I'd like I think that has to do with the area we live in. I'm just hoping we'll get them eventually.

I guess I should be thankful that the Directv signal is not available in my area:lol:

Yep, SO glad that I don't have Direct TV! I'll keep my cable, thank you! And even though we can't get all the stations I'd like I think that has to do with the area we live in. I'm just hoping we'll get them eventually.

I am happy to have directv and and dont mind not having any viacom channels anymore. My bill is lower and they are they only place to get all the NFL Games, I dont think there is a single show on any of those channels that I cant get elsewhere.

This is why I'm so glad my family and I dropped Direct TV a long time ago.

#1 Their service isn't that great (IMO).
#2 If I could break down all the channels on cable, I'd say there's really only 5-7 channels (w/ very few small sides of specialized programming that some of which will eventually become another family member of the 5-7 big-wig companies) since 5-7 big-wig companies got their grubby hands on the networks and turned the cable channels they picked up into their extended family members.
#3 Of all the big-wig companies controlling these channels, Viacom is the worst of them all, IMO.

This is why I'm so glad my family and I dropped Direct TV a long time ago.

#1 Their service isn't that great (IMO).
#2 If I could break down all the channels on cable, I'd say there's really only 5-7 channels (w/ very few small sides of specialized programming that some of which will eventually become another family member of the 5-7 big-wig companies) since 5-7 big-wig companies got their grubby hands on the networks and turned the cable channels they picked up into their extended family members.
#3 Of all the big-wig companies controlling these channels, Viacom is the worst of them all, IMO.


Don't forget the Thunderstorms affecting the service

Don't forget the Thunderstorms affecting the service

Yes!

I guess thundertstorms arent much of an issue here because my service has never gone out and I have been at this location 7 years.

Just a guess,but those two companies may not reach an agreement.So they may very well just wind up dropping Viacoms channels.If they do drop Viacoms channels you would think most or all of the other Pay TV companies may follow and do the same.

Just a guess,but these two companies may not reach an agreement.So they may very well just wind up dropping Viacoms channels.If they do drop Viacoms channels you would think most or all of the other Pay TV companies may follow and do the same.
Well the chmn. of direct tv keeps saying on that commercial, don't worry an agreement will be reached right before he downs viacom. lol

This is why I'm so glad my family and I dropped Direct TV a long time ago.

#1 Their service isn't that great (IMO).
#2 If I could break down all the channels on cable, I'd say there's really only 5-7 channels (w/ very few small sides of specialized programming that some of which will eventually become another family member of the 5-7 big-wig companies) since 5-7 big-wig companies got their grubby hands on the networks and turned the cable channels they picked up into their extended family members.
#3 Of all the big-wig companies controlling these channels, Viacom is the worst of them all, IMO.
I am guessing that the average cable subscriber has access to at least 75-80 channels at a conservative guess. Out of these they probably watch (being generous) maybe 15 -20 of these channels or about one quarter. Because of the big networks bundling in lesser watched channels the consumer is paying for maybe 75% of channels he rarely or never watches including one's some people find objectionable for content but have to pay for. They say "don't watch it" which is fine, but I'm being forced to pay for it. The time has come for things to change. Once my promotions expire my cable and internet bill will double to well over $100 a month. I'm experimenting now with Roku and DVD's since I live in a small town with no OTA reception since they went digital. I hope they make Viacom into an example and hold the line. Viacom needs distribution worse than the provider needs their content. This has to hurt Viacom's commercial rates.

I am guessing that the average cable subscriber has access to at least 75-80 channels at a conservative guess. Out of these they probably watch (being generous) maybe 15 -20 of these channels or about one quarter. Because of the big networks bundling in lesser watched channels the consumer is paying for maybe 75% of channels he rarely or never watches including one's some people find objectionable for content but have to pay for. They say "don't watch it" which is fine, but I'm being forced to pay for it. The time has come for things to change. Once my promotions expire my cable and internet bill will double to well over $100 a month. I'm experimenting now with Roku and DVD's since I live in a small town with no OTA reception since they went digital. I hope they make Viacom into an example and hold the line. Viacom needs distribution worse than the provider needs their content. This has to hurt Viacom's commercial rates.
They say "don't watch it" which is fine, but I'm being forced to pay for it.

The best post in the thread. Why should people be forced to pay for something that they find objectionable? Yea anybody can block the channel out but we're still paying for it.

I still have cable,but one of a number of reasons I want to cancel it is(and I know it may sound a bit silly), I do not want to support the channels that I think are pure garbage,and that's most of them.And I know by paying that cable bill that money goes to keeping those channels in business.

I am guessing that the average cable subscriber has access to at least 75-80 channels at a conservative guess. Out of these they probably watch (being generous) maybe 15 -20 of these channels or about one quarter. Because of the big networks bundling in lesser watched channels the consumer is paying for maybe 75% of channels he rarely or never watches including one's some people find objectionable for content but have to pay for. They say "don't watch it" which is fine, but I'm being forced to pay for it. The time has come for things to change. Once my promotions expire my cable and internet bill will double to well over $100 a month. I'm experimenting now with Roku and DVD's since I live in a small town with no OTA reception since they went digital. I hope they make Viacom into an example and hold the line. Viacom needs distribution worse than the provider needs their content. This has to hurt Viacom's commercial rates.

You bring up some interesting point, which I've become more aware of and more vexed by in recent times. It's obviously exasperating when the number of channels I actually watch have been precipitously decreasing with each passing year, while the costs have been increasing. But what really gets under my skin is that the increasing costs are almost entirely attributable to networks that not only do I not watch, but personally loathe. And the thought of subsidizing dozens of rancid (howdy, Viacom!) channels just for the access to the 4 or 5 networks I do tune in to is becoming an increasingly unpalatable option. I've had cable/dish service non-stop since 1980, and was a huge proponent and happy consumer for most of that time. But the dynamic has really changed, and it's just not for me anymore. The negatives are far outweighing the positives.

The best post in the thread. Why should people be forced to pay for something that they find objectionable? Yea anybody can block the channel out but we're still paying for it.

Which is why Directv and other companies should offer ala carte programming. C-band satellite owners have had this option for years and there's no reason why they can't offer it as well. They can turn channels off just as easily as they can turn them on.

Here's a chart showing the current cost of C-band programming including ala carte from one provider.

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo283/tzgames/NEW20BROCHURE_1-10-121.jpg

Great information Zoneboy. Thanks for posting it.

Maybe these disputes with the Providers (Direct TV Vs Viacom isn't the only one, Dish has dropped AMC and Time-Warner has a dispute with the Hearst-Owned Stations) will result in A-La-Carte Programming becoming available. I see Pay-Tv eventually being forced to do this whether they like it or not, the current model is getting too expensive to sustain, the choice is simple, keep going the way you have been and risk a total collapse (and earn NOTHING), or go a-la-carte and keep something going, even if it's only a fraction of what you have been doing.

Maybe these disputes with the Providers (Direct TV Vs Viacom isn't the only one, Dish has dropped AMC and Time-Warner has a dispute with the Hearst-Owned Stations) will result in A-La-Carte Programming becoming available. I see Pay-Tv eventually being forced to do this whether they like it or not, the current model is getting too expensive to sustain, the choice is simple, keep going the way you have been and risk a total collapse (and earn NOTHING), or go a-la-carte and keep something going, even if it's only a fraction of what you have been doing.
If channels can't survive by A-La-Carte programming then they deserve to go under.

If channels can't survive by A-La-Carte programming then they deserve to go under.
In a true free market they would. The big players like Viacom force them onto providers who collect our fees for them even though few actually watch them. They invest very little into programming these channels so it is almost all profit from cable fees and tons of commercials.

Maybe these disputes with the Providers (Direct TV Vs Viacom isn't the only one, Dish has dropped AMC and Time-Warner has a dispute with the Hearst-Owned Stations) will result in A-La-Carte Programming becoming available. I see Pay-Tv eventually being forced to do this whether they like it or not, the current model is getting too expensive to sustain, the choice is simple, keep going the way you have been and risk a total collapse (and earn NOTHING), or go a-la-carte and keep something going, even if it's only a fraction of what you have been doing.

In Canada with Videotron cable we pay for a-la-carte. You pick 30 different channels that you want (some extra charges apply for sports, movie channels, or superstations) but you can go on their website and change a channel whenever you want. Once I realized an NBA playoff game was on a sports channel I didn't have and it was about to start and I was able to quickly go and remove a channel and put the sports one in its place. You can do it as often as you want during weekday hours except for maybe late overnight. So technically if you just want to watch one episode of something on a certain channel you don't need to keep that channel full-time and can switch it up whenever you want - it's very convenient and the second you decide a channel isn't as good anymore and you'd prefer another, you can get it.

^^^See,now why isn't something like that available in America.It shows how easily these companies(if they wanted to) can offer the option of picking the channels you want. I called them and they are not perfect but seem far better than American cable/satellite companies.Their prices are lower than most Americans pay for TV,and none of those stupid contracts that satellite companies have.

Viacom is walking away from negotiations with DirecTV over restoring its networks, the conglom disclosed Wednesday.

But the satcaster responded with a statement claiming that it had accepted Viacom's latest proposal. "We are ready to close this deal at anytime and restore those channels to our customers," the statement read.

But in an interview, Denise Denson, executive VP of content distribution at Viacom, disputed that suggestion. "It's important for the consumers to know that negotiations are not ongoing," she said.

The breakdown in negotiations shows how far apart these companies have grown since July 10. Viacom pulled the signals to 17 channels, as well as nine high-defintion channels, on July 10 after the companies failed to reach a new agreement. The companies are haggling over an appropriate sum for the satcaster to be paying for the nets, which include MTV, Nickelodeon and CMT.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118056757

Viacom is walking away from negotiations with DirecTV over restoring its networks, the conglom disclosed Wednesday.

But the satcaster responded with a statement claiming that it had accepted Viacom's latest proposal. "We are ready to close this deal at anytime and restore those channels to our customers," the statement read.

But in an interview, Denise Denson, executive VP of content distribution at Viacom, disputed that suggestion. "It's important for the consumers to know that negotiations are not ongoing," she said.

The breakdown in negotiations shows how far apart these companies have grown since July 10. Viacom pulled the signals to 17 channels, as well as nine high-defintion channels, on July 10 after the companies failed to reach a new agreement. The companies are haggling over an appropriate sum for the satcaster to be paying for the nets, which include MTV, Nickelodeon and CMT.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118056757


Well looks like my mom has to get FIOS

Viacom is walking away from negotiations with DirecTV over restoring its networks, the conglom disclosed Wednesday.

But the satcaster responded with a statement claiming that it had accepted Viacom's latest proposal. "We are ready to close this deal at anytime and restore those channels to our customers," the statement read.

But in an interview, Denise Denson, executive VP of content distribution at Viacom, disputed that suggestion. "It's important for the consumers to know that negotiations are not ongoing," she said.

The breakdown in negotiations shows how far apart these companies have grown since July 10. Viacom pulled the signals to 17 channels, as well as nine high-defintion channels, on July 10 after the companies failed to reach a new agreement. The companies are haggling over an appropriate sum for the satcaster to be paying for the nets, which include MTV, Nickelodeon and CMT.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118056757
I don't care. Let them walk. :lol:

The EPIX channel is a major part of the dispute. My guess is Viacom wants DirecTV to pay a premium price and include it in the basic packages. This is the same strong arm tactics we've seen in the past with other companies and new channels, so it's nothing new. I am sure DirecTV isn't against carrying EPIX as a premium (maybe in their HD Extras) but Viacom obviously isn't going to let that happen. They probably want Palladia out of the HD Extras as is.

EDIT: With all the spin, it's really hard to know what to believe. Most likely it's somewhere in the middle.

I just found out in my State (Florida) TV Station WESH has blacked out their transmission on Bright House Cable. I don't know about you, but these Pay-TV Nets know they are in TROUBLE, whether or not they go along with these Fee Increases. People are pulling out, and a lot of them simply will not return.

I don't care. Let them walk. :lol:
I agree. Viacom loses ratings and ad revenues. Eventually people won't miss these channels if they even do now. It is time to hold the line. One local NBC affiliate in Winston Salem NC is running radio ads trying to get back on their cable system because they tried the hold out and the carrier walked.

I agree. Viacom loses ratings and ad revenues. Eventually people won't miss these channels if they even do now. It is time to hold the line. One local NBC affiliate in Winston Salem NC is running radio ads trying to get back on their cable system because they tried the hold out and the carrier walked.
And those local channels are even worse. You can get them for free without cable and they want to charge you for their channel on cable. It's about time someone says enough is enough.

The EPIX channel is a major part of the dispute. My guess is Viacom wants DirecTV to pay a premium price and include it in the basic packages. This is the same strong arm tactics we've seen in the past with other companies and new channels, so it's nothing new. I am sure DirecTV isn't against carrying EPIX as a premium (maybe in their HD Extras) but Viacom obviously isn't going to let that happen. They probably want Palladia out of the HD Extras as is.

EDIT: With all the spin, it's really hard to know what to believe. Most likely it's somewhere in the middle.I've never even heard of EPIX. :crazy:

Viacom is walking away from negotiations with DirecTV over restoring its networks, the conglom disclosed Wednesday.


Thats the best news I heard in a long time woohoo!

I just found out in my State (Florida) TV Station WESH has blacked out their transmission on Bright House Cable. I don't know about you, but these Pay-TV Nets know they are in TROUBLE, whether or not they go along with these Fee Increases. People are pulling out, and a lot of them simply will not return.

WESH? Are you in Orlando or the surrounding area? When I lived there, I had WESH channel 2.

I live in the Daytona Beach area (Port Orange to be precise). They've also taken off the CW Channel and the MeTV Channel.

IMO The Pay TV Providers realize they are in a no-win situation. They have been LOSING Customers these last couple of years, some because of "The Economy" but others simply because they've decided that paying high prices for low-quality programming simply isn't worth it. The Media Companies are now asking for EVEN MORE Money for their product, and these costs will simply be passed on to the customers in the form of higher prices (and probably more advertising as well) and this will only cause the number of subscribers to continue to HEAD SOUTH. Higher Prices mean NOTHING if NOBODY is buying your product, and TV, unlike Food, Clothing or Shelter, is NOT a "Necessity".

I wish Comcast would drop the Viacom channels. They have some of the worst programming on television today. I certainly wouldn't miss them.

I live in the Daytona Beach area (Port Orange to be precise). They've also taken off the CW Channel and the MeTV Channel.

IMO The Pay TV Providers realize they are in a no-win situation. They have been LOSING Customers these last couple of years, some because of "The Economy" but others simply because they've decided that paying high prices for low-quality programming simply isn't worth it. The Media Companies are now asking for EVEN MORE Money for their product, and these costs will simply be passed on to the customers in the form of higher prices (and probably more advertising as well) and this will only cause the number of subscribers to continue to HEAD SOUTH. Higher Prices mean NOTHING if NOBODY is buying your product, and TV, unlike Food, Clothing or Shelter, is NOT a "Necessity".
With a product like TV programming there is a limit to how much most people are willing to pay for it and some have already passed that point and many more are right at it. If cable companies did not hold so much of the high speed internet market they would be in real trouble.
I'm sick of having my bill go up every 6 months and having to beg for another promotional deal and I am sick of more frequent and annoying commercials. They have also reached the point where commercials almost run you away from the show. I have seen commercial breaks that caused me to forget what I was watching or turn to something else and forget to turn back.
There has to be a reasonable point reached, you can only watch so much TV even if you are confined to your home. I simply do not watch enough TV to pay $60 - $100 a month for it. I can not justify the expense any more.

I wish Comcast would drop the Viacom channels. They have some of the worst programming on television today. I certainly wouldn't miss them.


Comcast only needs to drop VH1

So, basically. I'm out 26 channels. 2 of which I watch when there's nothing else on. And, my parents (who I live with) still has to pay the same price they are paying now for less channels. In the words of Bulldog Briscoe. This stinks, this is total BS!!!

If I lived on my own. I'd drop satellite all together and pay for a roku and get Netflix and Hulu Plus.

I can't even watch Three's Company anymore! :( I have Antenna TV. But, it's only on my bedroom tv (the only HD in the house) and I'm usually not awake at noon when the show is on.

So, basically. I'm out 26 channels. 2 of which I watch when there's nothing else on. And, my parents (who I live with) still has to pay the same price they are paying now for less channels. In the words of Bulldog Briscoe. This stinks, this is total BS!!!

If I lived on my own. I'd drop satellite all together and pay for a roku and get Netflix and Hulu Plus.

I can't even watch Three's Company anymore! :( I have Antenna TV. But, it's only on my bedroom tv (the only HD in the house) and I'm usually not awake at noon when the show is on.

THree's Company comes on Antenna TV at 10pm to 11pm from Monday to Thursday

Thanks. I'll go watch it Monday night.

It's just that my mother and I watched it together on TVLand on Sunday and Monday mornings at like 3-5 or so. Because we're both night owls. Now there's nothing on to watch at that time. I've been hauling my laptop into the family room and plugging in my detachable speaker for us to watch old soaps on Youtube. Maybe I should just learn to sleep. Ha.

Thanks. I'll go watch it Monday night.

It's just that my mother and I watched it together on TVLand on Sunday and Monday mornings at like 3-5 or so. Because we're both night owls. Now there's nothing on to watch at that time. I've been hauling my laptop into the family room and plugging in my detachable speaker for us to watch old soaps on Youtube. Maybe I should just learn to sleep. Ha.


I thought I was the only one watching three's company at 3:30am on TV Land LOL

So, basically. I'm out 26 channels. 2 of which I watch when there's nothing else on. And, my parents (who I live with) still has to pay the same price they are paying now for less channels. In the words of Bulldog Briscoe. This stinks, this is total BS!!!

If I lived on my own. I'd drop satellite all together and pay for a roku and get Netflix and Hulu Plus.

Moving out of my parents' house was the catalyst that changed my television habits. When I lived with them, I just gave them the $20/month that Comcrap charged for an additional DVR box at the time. Once I moved out and had to pay the whole thing myself, I saw the bill go from $90 to $150 in the span of 13 months (for fewer channels, no DVR, and progressively worse programming).

Then I got laid off and had to move again. Now they wanted an $80 "installation & activation fee" that they refused to waive despite the fact the previous tenant had Comcast and no physical installation was required. Well that did it. I cut the cord and haven't looked back.

Instead I opted to invest about $300 in equipment and self-installation for an over-the-air system complete with DVR. In 2 months it paid for itself. I actually watch MORE television now that I don't pay a penny for it even though I only receive about 20 channels. An added bonus: the sickening feeling of "I'm actually paying for this garbage?!" is completely gone.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2012/07/19/in-viacom-vs-directv-viacom-is-losing-the-public-relations-war/

As Jeff Bercovici notes, DirecTV over the past few days "has been positioning itself as the viewer’s best defense against ever-rising cable bill, painting Viacom as a greedy leviathan trying to force its unwanted second-tier channels on everyone.

DirecTV's youngest viewers find alternatives to Nickelodeon (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/19/business/media/dispute-with-directv-aids-viacoms-rivals-in-childrens-programming.html)
Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, the Hub and Sprout are experiencing a baby boom thanks to DirecTV's feud with Viacom. PLUS: New pay channel Epix is at the center of the dispute (http://www.theatlanticwire.com/business/2012/07/what-viacom-and-directv-are-really-feuding-over-epix/54779/).

Viacom suffers big drop during its first week without DirecTV (http://www.deadline.com/2012/07/viacom-ratings-nosedive-in-first-week-of-dispute-with-directv/)
Daytime numbers nosedived 27% across all the Viacom channels. PLUS: Talks hit stalemate (http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/07/18/viacom-and-directv-talks-hit-stalemate/).

DirecTV gets support from cable rivals (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303612804577533320645739772.html)
Companies from Time Warner to Cox are backing DirecTV in its dispute with Viacom.

Without DirecTV, Nickelodeon's ratings tumble (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nickratings-20120716,0,1495882.story)
A Viacom spokesperson notes that Nickelodeon is "the most watched cable network on DirecTV."

DirectV's money maker is "THE SUNDAY TICKET" so they can care less about Viacom Channels

NFL package is why most people get Directv

I just found out Direct TV and Viacom have reached a deal. The losers will be the Subscribers, who will get hit with higher fees. :( Oh well, I'll continue my way, and invite all of you to follow.

I just found out Direct TV and Viacom have reached a deal.

Link (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-viacom-directv-deal-20120720,0,1311648.story)

SpongeBob SquarePants and Snookie are coming back to DirecTV.

Cable programming giant Viacom and satellite broadcaster DirecTV reached a deal early Friday morning, ending a nine-day battle that left about 20 million homes without more than a dozen popular channels including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and VH1.

The dispute related to the fees that Viacom was seeking for its programming, which DirecTV viewed as a steep hike.

In a statement, DirecTV executive vice president Derek Chang said, "We are very pleased to be able to restore the channels to our customers and thank them for their unprecedented patience and support."

"The attention surrounding this unnecessary and ill-advised blackout by Viacom has accomplished one key thing: it serves notice to all media companies that bullying TV providers and their customers with blackouts won't get them a better deal," he said. He added that "it's high time programmers ended these anti-consumer blackouts once and for all and prove our industry is about enabling people to connect to their favorite programs rather than denying them access."

Viacom said in a statement: "Despite the unnecessary drama, we are very pleased with our agreement and are very thankful to have reconnected with our DirecTV viewers."

The short fight seemed to hurt Viacom more than DirecTV. Ratings for many of its cable networks saw declines of more than 20% during the blackout. Nickelodeon in particular took a beating as Disney Channel and other rival networks gobbled up viewers.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but both companies said it covers all of Viacom's networks. Not part of the deal is Epix, a pay movie channel that DirecTV claimed Viacom was trying to force it to carry.

TVLand is back on! So are the music channels.:)

Yea the crap channels are back. lol Viacom already lost me as a viewer of The Exes and Soul Man. I deleted them from my DVR a few days ago and I'm not going to watch them. Of course it's going to hurt them more then Direct TV especially since Direct TV started giving their customers some other channels for free. I hope they keep Encore free until the end of the month like they said they were doing

TVLand and VH1 Classics are the only ones that I care about:)

TVLand and VH1 Classics are the only ones that I care about:)
TV Land is the only one I cared about but it was just for Hot in Cleveland. That wasn't going to come back until sometime in the fall anyway. I remember years ago wanting that channel so bad. It isn't what it used to be.

TV Land is the only one I cared about but it was just for Hot in Cleveland. That wasn't going to come back until sometime in the fall anyway. I remember years ago wanting that channel so bad. It isn't what it used to be.

Yeah back when NickatNite started sucking, I coveted TVLand and thought it was the answer to my prayers. Then after we finally got it, it was OK for a short while but then just degenerated into the joke that it is now. The only thing on it currently that I ever watch are M*A*S*H and the occasional Bonanza or Gunsmoke.

TV Land is the only one I cared about but it was just for Hot in Cleveland. That wasn't going to come back until sometime in the fall anyway. I remember years ago wanting that channel so bad. It isn't what it used to be.


Yes, I totally agree with you about TVLand. It USED to be so much better! I still watch it in the mornings because of Dick Van Dyke Show and Leave It To Beaver. But how many times can one watch Bonanza and Gunsmoke? Seems like every time I turn to it there they are! BORING! :rolleyes:

The Entire Series of Dick Van Dyke and Leave it to Beaver are available on DVD. Why do you want to watch the butchered, commercial INFESTED versions of these shows when you can watch them UNCUT and DEVOID of any Commercials? Keep your eyes on the bargain bins and POUNCE when you see them, at times you can purchase BOTH of them for LESS than it would cost you to subscribe to one month of Pay-TV! :D

The Entire Series of Dick Van Dyke and Leave it to Beaver are available on DVD. Why do you want to watch the butchered, commercial INFESTED versions of these shows when you can watch them UNCUT and DEVOID of any Commercials? Keep your eyes on the bargain bins and POUNCE when you see them, at times you can purchase BOTH of them for LESS than it would cost you to subscribe to one month of Pay-TV! :D


Geez!CHILL!:lol: I own The Dick Van Dyke Show on dvd. But I still watch it sometimes in the mornings on TVLand. Actually almost every show or movie that I want to see on tv I record them just to be able to skip the ads. I still get a lot of wear out of my VCR.:D

Geez!CHILL!:lol: I own The Dick Van Dyke Show on dvd. But I still watch it sometimes in the mornings on TVLand. Actually almost every show or movie that I want to see on tv I record them just to be able to skip the ads. I still get a lot of wear out of my VCR.:D

Why is that though??? I have the complete series of Three's Company on DVD but still watch it on TV land every night:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Why is that though??? I have the complete series of Three's Company on DVD but still watch it on TV land every night:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:



I know! I do the same thing with shows on other channels. Like The Waltons for example. There are at least 3 stations that I know of which runs The Waltons everyday. And even though I own the complete series I still tune in almost everyday.:crazy: The same with Family Ties on TV Guide channel and Little House on The Prairie on Hallmark. I own these dvd's too but still watch them on tv almost everyday.:lol: :wave:

:crazy: :lol: :happyface :wave: :brent Masochists! :brent :wave: :happyface :lol: :crazy:

I know! I do the same thing with shows on other channels. Like The Waltons for example. There are at least 3 stations that I know of which runs The Waltons everyday. And even though I own the complete series I still tune in almost everyday.:crazy: The same with Family Ties on TV Guide channel and Little House on The Prairie on Hallmark. I own these dvd's too but still watch them on tv almost everyday.:lol: :wave:
I do that too. I have all the episodes of Combat,Twilight Zone on dvd but I still get mad if MeTV chops the credits off while I am watching them. I guess I am too lazy to get the discs out and put them in my player.

The only Viacom network I watch is Comedy Central. I wish DirecTV had stuck it out longer and made an example of Viacom.

I do that too. I have all the episodes of Combat,Twilight Zone on dvd but I still get mad if MeTV chops the credits off while I am watching them. I guess I am too lazy to get the discs out and put them in my player.


Sometimes the show you have on DVD is not easily available and you have to search for it:lol: :lol:

Sometimes the show you have on DVD is not easily available and you have to search for it:lol: :lol:
I have about 4,000 DVDs in file cabinets down in my basement. It's a chore,that's for sure.

I have about 4,000 DVDs in file cabinets down in my basement. It's a chore,that's for sure.

I never counted the actual number of DVDs I own (Just the number of TV Series, Episodes, Movies and Serial Chapters) but all I can say is it's a :censored: Load! :lol:

:crazy: :lol: :happyface :wave: :brent Masochists! :brent :wave: :happyface :lol: :crazy:


I Know I Know........................:p :wave: