Our national two-week nightmare is officially over as Viacom and DIRECTV have FINALLY settled their negotiations.
DIRECTV said:
“In addition to the channels’ return, DirecTV customers will also gain the ability to see Viacom programming on tablets, laptops, handhelds and other personal devices via the DirecTV Everywhere platform. Carriage of the Epix movie channel is not required as part of the new agreement.”
Executive vp of content strategy and development for DIRECTV, Derek Chang, did a little gloating:
“The attention surrounding this unnecessary and ill-advised blackout by Viacom has accomplished one key thing: it serves notice to all media companies that bullying TV providers and their customers with blackouts won’t get them a better deal. It’s high time programmers ended these anti-consumer blackouts once and for all and prove our industry is about enabling people to connect to their favorite programs rather than denying them.”
Viacom said it:
“…is extremely pleased to bring its programming back to DIRECTV subscribers, and thanks everyone affected by the disruption for their patience and understanding during this challenging period.”
My daughter said:
“Yayyyyyy daddy, I think Gil is my favorite Bubble Guppy!!!!!!”
She has, of course, told me that a million times before but I was glad to hear it again (and again) – at least for one day 🙂 . I’m a Mr. Grouper man myself and have to say it’s good to have our friends back.
