Orlando, Fla. — A pricing stalemate between Viacom and Spectrum may cause Orlando cable customers to lose 23 channels as early as Sunday night.
In a statement today, Viacom released the following information regarding Charter Communications:
“Viacom has made a series of very attractive offers to Charter that are consistent with terms we’ve recently reached with other large cable operators. Importantly, these offers would enable Charter to lower Spectrum subscribers’ bills, while also giving them more access to shows across Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, Comedy Central and other Viacom networks.
"Viacom is committed to developing strong, mutually beneficial relationships with our distribution partners. Despite our efforts, Charter continues to insist on unreasonable and extreme terms that are totally inconsistent with the market. While we’re making every effort to reach a new deal, Charter's actions may force a disruption in their service.”
On its website, Spectrum retaliated with the following statement:
"Viacom is threatening to remove their channels, unless Spectrum agrees to significantly overpay for them. We are negotiating with them in good faith and are optimistic that a fair deal can be reached."
Spectrum went on to say:
We are very disappointed that an agreement hasn’t been reached at this time. Unfortunately, by threatening to pull their channels, Viacom is dragging you into the middle of their business negotiations.
Spectrum argued that by paying less for Viacom programming, it would be able to lower costs for consumers.
Viacom did not give a specific time when it might pull its channels Sunday night.