Just a heads up that DirecTV and VS network couldnt come to terms, so DirecTV will no longer carry the VS network. This means that the great Dakar coverage that VS is known for each day, will only be shown on cable and Dish Network( I think )
DirecTV, in a statement early this morning, said that Comcast, which owns Versus, "has forced us to take down the channel because we will not agree to their ridiculous demands that simply do not reflect current market valuations for their programming."
DirecTV said it already pays Versus more than any other independent distributor and that the 20% hike it is seeking "for what is basically a paid programming and infomercial channel with occasional sporting events of interest is simply piggish."
The dispute also pertains to positioning as DirecTV has offered Versus on its Choice Xtra level of service and above.
DirecTV said that Comcast allows other distributors to carry Versus at much lower level of distribution, including Dish Network, which positions it on its AT250 package.
"Comcast has set a market with arms length negotiations with these other distributors and DirecTV expects equal treatment," the satellite provider said.
DirecTV, noting that it offered to continue Versus through the end of September while negotiations continued, said it has heard from a small number of subscribers who were unhappy about the network being pulled.
"But we want them to understand that we must hold the line on programming costs and protect them from unwarranted price increases, especially in this challenging economy," according to DirecTV.
I'm really going to miss that Professional Bull Riding thingy.
HAHAHA! Yes..most of their programming is bunk....but the only reason I can think of Comcast asking for the hike (other than trying to screw a competitor) is that Versus does cover NHL extensively, especially the playoffs.
DirecTV was moving the channel to a higher level package, thus charging thier customers more for it. Comcast wanted a piece of that pie. Apparently, despite DirecTV's disparaging remarks about the Versus content, they think thier customers would be willing to pay more to keep it, they just don't want to share that with Comcast.
Permalink Reply by Keith on September 3, 2009 at 10:08am
VERSUS was always on the ChoicePlus package. It wasn't just moved there.
AT&T UVERSE also makes you purchase the U-200 package or higher in order to get VS, no different than DirecTv. Other carriers (primarily DISH NETWORK) offering it on a lower tiered package, devalued the product in DirecTv's opinion, thus the price increase was not justifiable. DirecTv was probably pressing for a decrease, but I'm sure they would have renewed the contract as previously written.
Permalink Reply by TOG on September 3, 2009 at 4:17pm
I am not feeling very comcastic after seeing my last cable bill..seems that my trial offer to Showtime and Starz has now expired, and they are billing me full price...lol...