Vivvo CMS 4.1 http://www.pri.org/ ©2010 Spoonlabs d.o.o. http://www.pri.org/files.php?file=rss_682409203.gif http://www.pri.org/ http://www.pri.org/stories/arts-entertainment/tt-viacom-directv-standoff-indicative-of-greater-shift-underway-in-pay-tv-industry-10693.html Arts and Entertainment Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:56:00 -0500 The Internet is disrupting the pay television industry and that's leading to more fights like the one between Viacom and DirecTV. But it may also lead, finally, to customers getting a la carte programming choices. Arts and Entertainment Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:40:12 -0500 First of all, let's get the facts straight. Viacom pulled the channels, Directv did not block them or take them down. They could have stayed up while negotiations went on. However, Viacom needed a bargaining edge and so they pulled the channels in order to have the viewers flood Directv with calls on the matter. Additionally, Viacom blocked the online viewing fro not just Directv viewers but all viewers and then tried to encourage customers to call Directv by claiming they could call and get things free. They even got CNN in on the publicizing of that. Pay service providers do not own channels. Out of the 800+ channels available, Viacom owns 19. For those people who are admonishing Directv for not agreeing to the increased costs, think about the total bill in a year or so if they did. This fight is about so much more than just an agreement with Viacom. How about the owners of all the other channels? Once Directv gives into one, then the rest will want the increase as well when their contract is up. Think about how many different network owners there are and how much money this will translate to. The other pay services should take note also. If Viacom gets its way with Directv, they will be next. Arts and Entertainment Mon, 16 Jul 2012 20:10:45 -0500 I have been with Directv since 1994 and I have never seen anything this crazy. What the hell is going on. Is this some way to get us to pay more money. This is upseting me very badly. Are they going to keep charging us for programs that we are not getting? This is nuts!!! People come on figure this out fast or how many people will be leaving directv? PRI: Public Radio International