Digital TV

     When I started work today, I never realized the intense day I would have until after I spoke with five different customers about one major issue that is affecting many people local to me. I learned how in-depth the contracts are between a provider for a show and the company that someone pays to provide.  On a more recent, specific note, Viacom and Time Warner Cable are currently undergoing contract negotiations to allow channels to air.  Viacom is pulling out all the stops to get the message across that those channels are in limbo, and the cable companies are working with their customers to assure them that they will be updated as to the outcome of the negotiations.

       To be more specific about the Viacom/Time Warner situation, Viacom wants to increase what they charge for having those channels with Time Warner, but, Time Warner does not want to lose money, thereby forwarding the cost to the subscriber.  Time Warner does not want to increase anybody’s bill, so, they are in dispute of a 22% - 36% increase that Viacom is requesting.  Viacom does not deny the small percentage increase.

      Needless to say, everyone is not informed as to the intricate details into getting contracts re-negotiated, and there are over 100 contracts that are re-negotiated throughout the year without customers being aware.  It’s unfortunate that the falling economy may affect how some of us watch tv. 

Update: An agreement was made between Viacom and Time Warner. At midnight, there was an agreement to extend the contract talks. Soon after the extension, there was an agreement made. In the next few days, the details are going to be hammered out between the two companies. In the meantime, customers will still be able to watch their regular programming. This is fortunate since in the past, Viacom has done this with EchoStar Communications (Dish Network) back in March 9, 2004 for a similar disagreement. The difference is that the channels were/are still available with Time Warner. 

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