Cablevision subscribers in the tri-state area woke up Jan 1st to find out that HGTV and Food Network had been dropped from the lineup. Scripps Networks, owners of the two networks, are feuding with Cablevision over fees for the channels. Cablevision has been launching attack ads against Scripps ever since urging subscribers to pressure Scripps into making a deal with Cablevision. Cablevision just raised my rates so I am a little annoyed that two of my five favorite stations are now gone. What the hey?
If you happen tune in to these now blank stations, you will be treated to Cablevision's apology/explanation claiming that Scripps is being unreasonable for requesting triple the fees that it once got from Cablevision to be a part of the lineup. Cable networks are biting back because they want a bigger piece of the action; they want some of the subscription fees that cable providers collect from all of us poor sods. I'm paying Cablevision $85 for television and double that when you add in internet access and voice lines; there is no competition, yet.
I don't know how much Scripps Networks should get so how do we know whose side to come down on in this feud. I know that Cablevision is making a mint and now that they also own Newsday, they have a virtual media monopoly on the Island. So, maybe they should give Scripps what they want. On the other hand, does Scripps deserve triple their fees. I don't know, I just want my HGTV.
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Hello, Luv! Specs on the value to Scripps, market analysis, etc. may be found at http://www.thetakeaway.org/stories/2010/jan/06/cabelvision-vs-food-network/ .
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