Debating the Classics: AMC Loses Time Warner Suit, Vows to Fight On

Score one for Time Warner Cable programming Godfather Fred Dressler, with the Supreme Court of NY State the MSO has the right to terminate its contract with AMC. The spat dates back to when AMC dropped its "classic" films and began showing more contemporary fare (post-1993 movies) and original programming. In ’03, TW threatened to terminate its contract (set to expire in ’08), saying it should pay lower rates because AMC shifted its programming. The MSO pointed to a content clause that it says gives it the right to terminate a contract should the general quantity and quality of programming materially change. AMC returned serve, filing suit against the MSO in Nov ’03, with parent Rainbow claiming the net was a pawn in a larger programming game over sister nets (like MSG). Time Warner counter sued in Dec, asking the court to declare it had the right to terminate the agreement. It’s not clear if TW will drop the contract. "We are presently evaluating our relationship with the network going forward," TW said. Rainbow plans to appeal. "This dispute, one of many over the years between AMC and Time Warner, will not affect the quality of programming that subscribers have come to expect from AMC," Rainbow said. "Of course, we disagree with the judge’s ruling and plan to appeal immediately. We are optimistic that this ruling will be overturned."