Programmers Respond

Programmers were united in bashing the report, starting with Disney-ESPN’s Ben Pyne, who referenced the problems Disney Channel faced when it was a la carte, "and only a privileged few bought it despite the strength of our brand." Hallmark’s Paul FitzPatrick continued the assault, mocking Martin’s report as a "Battle of Economists… There’s an old saying that those closest to the work know it best. Let the dynamic video marketplace be allowed to work." Oxygen’s Gerry Laybourne complained a la carte would stifle new programming. "Who would have known to subscribe to Bravo to watch "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" prior to it airing?" she asked. And Inspiration Nets complained a la carte doesn’t solve indecency. "It could represent the death knell for much of the wholesome programming available today from smaller independent channels like" Inspiration, evp, sales & marketing Rod Tapp said.