Here we go again… At 5pm, Time Warner Cable began taking down CBS’s signal in NYC, L.A. and Dallas. It said it is also in the process of removing Showtime, TMC, FLIX and Smithsonian across its footprint.

“We agreed to an extension on Tuesday morning with the expectation that we would engage in a meaningful negotiation with CBS. Since then, CBS has refused to have a productive discussion,” the MSO said. “It’s become clear that no matter how much time we give them, they’re not willing to come to reasonable terms.  We thank our customers for their patience and support as we continue to fight hard to keep their prices down.”

CBS said the MSO has conducted negotiations in a “combative and non-productive spirit, indulging in pointless brinksmanship and distorted public positioning– such as the fictional and ridiculous 600% increase CBS supposedly demanded—while maintaining antiquated positions no longer held by any other programming distributor in the business.” The broadcaster repeated that it’s the 1st time a cable system has taken CBS dark (it has gone dark on DISH previously). As for the Showtime blackout, CBS called it “completely unnecessary and totally punitive” to TWC subs.

The Daily

Subscribe
Wednesday–May 7

Pendulums Break

Commentary by Steve Effros In my last column I focused on the circular nature of the thinking surrounding telecom business plans. We go “round and round again” on such ideas as linear video broadcast

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Sep 11
2025 Faxies Awards Faxies Nominations Open! Final deadline: 4/4/25
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.