Status Update: DirecTV Viacom Contract Dispute Negotiations Continue – Many shows available for free online

Status Update: DirecTV Viacom Contract Dispute Negotiations Continue – Many shows available for free online

DirecTV CEO Mike White

As of July 17th, the blackout of popular Viacom channels for DirecTV customers continues. In a statement released today DirecTV told their customers that the company is “vigorously working to reach a fair agreement with Viacom to return the channels you want most.”

To help their customers see some of their favorites during the black-out, DirecTV is directing customers to some online options. Shows including Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report” are reportedly back online for free at comedycentral.com. MTV’s “Teen Wolf” is available at mtv.com as is VH1′s “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” at vh1.com.

“Once again, we thank you for your patience. This situation is one we neither wanted nor think is representative of the viewing experience you should have. By standing firm, we will get this deal done and the channels back at a price you can still afford,” the company posted on its web site today.

As we reported earlier on our web site, last week, Viacom blacked-out popular channels from the DirecTV service demanding more money from the company. DirecTV countered saying that the amount of money was too high and would amount to $1 billion in added costs to its customers. The channels current under the blackout include MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, TV Land, BET, CMT, Comedy Central, and Spike.

About Ed Dixon

Ed Dixon - as an experienced writer and proven business leader, Mr. Dixon is the primary contributor for news related to Business and Finance. ed_dixon@newstaar.com