Let's Go Blues

Another major carriage dispute threatens to pull Fox’s cable networks from DirecTV systems on Nov.1. The affected networks include FX, including its hit Sons Of Anarchy and hot newcomer American Horror Story, National Geographic Channel, Speed, Fuel TV, Fox Soccer, Fox Movie Channel, FOX Deportes, and the 19 Fox regional sports networks. Fox Networks’ previous carriage agreement with DirecTV expired on Sept. 30. After extending the talks, no progress was made, leading to a standoff between the two sides that may lead to the blackout of the cable networks on DirecTV on Nov. 1. Exactly a year ago, the same networks went dark on DirecTV’s rival satcaster Dish Network before the two sides finally reached a new carriage agreement. Like in previous carriage fights, both sides released dueling statements and launched competing websites, KeepMyNets.com (Fox) and OurPromiseToYou.com (DirecTV). In its statement, DirecTV claims that Fox is seeking a 40% license fee increase. Here are the two statements:

FOX NETWORKS: Despite Fox Networks’ offer of an extension during our ongoing negotiations, DirecTV has informed us and their customers that unless we agree to their demands, they “will suspend our networks on November 1.”

DirecTV sent us a proposal on Tuesday afternoon. They have given us no chance to respond before taking an unnecessarily aggressive posture and going public. It is disappointing that they have chosen bad faith tactics over meaningful negotiation.

We have proposed to keep the Fox Networks on DirecTV for the same price, and on the same terms as they are currently carried while we attempt to work out a fair agreement. Unfortunately, DirecTV has decided that unless they get their way, they are going to pull the plug on their customers November 1.

DIRECTV CEO MIKE WHITE: DirecTV’s agreement with News Cor./Fox for some of them national cable networks and regional Fox Sports networks has expired.

News Corp. has demanded that DirecTV customers pay nearly 40% more for the same channels they already receive. If a new deal is not reached, we will be forced to suspend the channels as early as Nov.1.

cprice12 wrote:CBS may be removed from DirecTV on Nov. 1st as well...same type conflict.
Every single year there is an issue with either Charter, DishNetwork or DirecTV and some channel or groups of channels.
Most of what I watch is on FX and Fox Sports MW...It's Always Sunny, The League, Louie, American Horror Story, Blues & Cardinal games. I'll be epically pissed.

IF DirecTV does suspend these channels, don't just sit there and take it. Call DirecTV and demand compensation in either reduced rates, OR, something free like free Center Ice or free movie channels. If they don't want to give you anything, ask to speak to someone about cancelling your service. You WILL get free stuff or money off...you may have to be persistent, but you will get free stuff.

I know there are contracts, but it's not fair that when you sign a contract there are certain channels they provide...and then for them to just take those channels away because of greedy corporate decision making? That's just wrong.

Come Nov. 1st, I'll either be able to watch what I watch, or I'll be getting something free. I've done it a few times over crap like this.
Hell, you can probably call right now and see if they have any deals going on...they may be able to take $5 off per month for a year...I got that a couple months ago just for calling for info about their whole house DVR.

thedoc wrote:Thats why I have U Verse

kodos wrote:Don't get too mad until it actually happens. This sort of grandstanding occurs frequently and usually the dispute gets settled and nothing changes.

STLADOGG wrote: I will be demanding Center Ice for sure, the only reason I watch T.V. is for the Blues games.

Also, Direct TV has this stupid ass free football season pass thing...take that shit off, that will free up money.

wik wrote:OK, simple question from a passionate displaced Blues and Cards fan with DirecTV for 15 years: if this happens, and I agree to pay for Center Ice and the MLB package, are ALL Blues and Cards games broadcast? Also, I try to watch the pregame and post game shows on FS Midwest....are those "studio" shows also part of the Center Ice or MLB package if I pay the ransom? I don't think the studio pregame and post game shows on FSN are available on the web. These games are the only broadcasts I watch on television anymore.

thedoc wrote:Thats why I have U Verse

theohall wrote:This is my plan.

1st - Get a Roku or similar Gamecenter compatible device.
2nd - attach device via HDMI.
3rd - subscribe to Gamecenter
4th - Enjoy hockey in HD, outside of Rangers games this season, without paying any network anything or having to rely on contracts between idiots ever again.