Andre Yoskowitz
4 Jan 2010 15:41
Scripps Networks Interactive has pulled its popular Food Network and HGTV channels from Cablevision, after the two companies could not agree to carriage fees.
Cablevision is a smaller cable company, with only 3.1 million subscribers in New York and New Jersey, but the move mirrors that of the recent, larger fight between Time Warner and Fox (News Corp.)
Scripps says the cable provider is not properly compensating it for the channels, and has an active media campaign trying to get consumers to complain about the channels being removed.
"The distribution rates Cablevision pays for Food and HGTV are among the lowest in the industry," added Scripps CEO Kenneth Lowe.
"We are sorry that Scripps' current financial difficulties are making it impossible for them to continue our relationship on terms that are reasonable for Cablevision and our customers," responded Cablevision. "We wish Scripps well and have no expectation of carrying their programming again, given the dramatic changes in their approach to working with distributors to reach television viewers."