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Cable television broadcasting industry

Comprehensive Agreement Secures Carriage for Viacom Channels on DIRECTV

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Viacom Inc. and DIRECTV, Inc. have announced a comprehensive long-term agreement that ensures the continued carriage of CBS, UPN, BET, and several MTV Networks channels on DIRECTV subscribers nationwide. The agreement also provides DIRECTV with the necessary rights to launch CBS' industry-leading HDTV programming on a "local into local" basis. This deal marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the two media giants, offering their customers unparalleled quality and diversity in their programming offerings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement secures carriage of CBS, UPN, BET, and several MTV Networks channels, including MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, TV Land, Comedy Central, Spike TV, CMT, Noggin, BET, MTV2, VH1 Classic, Nicktoons, and MTV Espanol, to DIRECTV subscribers nationwide.
  • DIRECTV will launch CBS HD Local into local service, providing customers with high-definition programming on a "local into local" basis.
  • The deal includes carriage of Viacom's LOGO channel on channel 263 as part of the TOTAL CHOICE(R) PLUS package and the launch of MTV Desi on July 12 as part of the HindiDirect(TM) programming package.
  • Nicole Browning, President of Affiliate Sales and Marketing at MTV Networks, stated that the agreement will deliver high-quality and diverse content to DIRECTV customers.
  • Martin D. Franks, Executive Vice President of CBS, emphasized that the agreement will provide CBS and UPN viewers in O&O markets with continued access to valued programming via DIRECTV.
  • Dan Fawcett, Executive Vice President of Programming Acquisitions at DIRECTV, highlighted that the agreement enables DIRECTV to provide customers with excellence in programming and deliver the best television experience available.

Statistics:

  • 14.4 million DIRECTV customers in the USA (As of the article's reference date).
  • 34% stake in DIRECTV held by News Corporation.
  • Viacom's diverse portfolio of brands includes CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, VH1, BET, Paramount Pictures, Infinity Broadcasting, Viacom Outdoor, UPN, TV Land, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, Showtime, Blockbuster, and Simon & Schuster.

Sources:

  • Viacom Inc. and DIRECTV, Inc. press release, dated July 20 (PRNewswire-FirstCall) - [1]
  • DIRECTV official website (http://www.directv.com/)
  • Viacom official website (http://www.viacom.com/)

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