Scripps was getting only something like .08 per subscriber per month, which was a really small amount based on the huge following the network is getting. Compared to that $1.00 per subscriber per month Fox wanted for time Warner, it was not unreasonable for Scripps Networks to ask for a raise.
The cable company would not budge a few pennies, so they pulled the channels, screwing us all. Here is more info from http://www.Mediaweek.com
Scripps Networks Interactive pulled two of its top-rated cable networks from Cablevision systems in New York City, Long Island and the Tri-State region. Food Network and HGTV went dark on those systems at midnight, following failed distribution negotiations between the two companies.
The standoff is one of three retransmission dramas playing out across the nation. Fox and Time Warner Cable seem to have come to a temporary truce for a few hours. Sinclair Broadcast Group and Mediacom have extended their carriage agreement for eight days while they continue to hammer out an agreement.
About 3 million TV viewers were affected by the lack of a new agreement between Scripps and Cablevision to replace the current one which expired Dec. 31, 2009.
The two companies are at a standoff over distribution fees. According to Scripps, Cablevision charges subscribers $83 per month, but Food Network and HGTV combined receive less than 25 cents per subscriber.
"The rates we are seeking represent a very modest increase when you consider that Food Network and HGTV are among the top networks in all of cable. Even with the reset we've proposed, about 35 other networks will be receiving higher fees per subscriber than these viewer favorites," said John Lansing, executive vp of Scripps Networks Interactive and president of the company's Scripps Networks operating division.
In a statement, Cablevision seemed to shut the door on further negotiations. "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. 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."
Scripps has launched a consumer campaign to try and get Cablevision to reconsider. Cablevision subscribers can log on to ilovefoodnetwork.com and ilovehgtv.com.
This will make their revenues go down considerably, and hurt them!!!
Punish them for being so dogone cheap and stubburn!! Vote with your wallet!! Pay for another service that will give you the channels you want, or go without for awhile.
This is the only way to get through to this arrogant company - kick them where it hurts!
Total views of this boycott
Company responses
Before you boycott cablevision, be sure and contact Scripps about the press release stating that several executives have filed stock plans that involve selling large amounts of stock (in one case over 65,000 shares) beginning early this year. Just ask them how much more that stock will be worth if Cablevision caves and gives them their obscene increase.
http://pressreleases.scripps.com/downloads/pressreleases/1136/1136.pdf
boycott cablevision not just for this reason but...
because they just suck period. the service is garbage, the prices are too high, they keep raising the bill. after the triple crap package expires they rape you for $156.13 a month. with two cell phones in the house, do we REALLY NEED a house phone???? no, we dont need it. With high speed internet from another company, do we REALLY NEED the tv ?? No, we dont need it. Just watch it on the internet and get with the times. Dump your service and follow the trend. Cablevision dont deserve us as customers, they have us due to the monopoly they create for our areas. All the corrupt bribes that take place for them to be the MAIN cable provider without giving us the PEOPLE any options.
