Stile 88
01-23-2009, 12:17 PM
All parties to the rumored deal wouldn't comment on the reports, but more details have surfaced concerning DISH's much-talked-about program carriage agreement with Viacom's MTV Networks unit.
A basic agreement between the companies has reportedly been hammered out, but some specific details still need to be discussed between the entities. Interestingly, the deal may cover the licensing of content for Sling.com, part of Sling Media, the EchoStar unit, stated news reports.
For the record, EchoStar joined DISH and Viacom/MTV in not issuing a comment on the reports. Also, for clarification, EchoStar, the spin-off known for its set-top boxes and satellite business, doesn't really need to work with programmers.
DISH and Viacom last struck a carriage deal in March 2004, a contentious affair that forced DISH to pull Viacom channels - including MTV nets - off the air for two days before the sides reached an agreement. At that time, CBS was part of the Viacom empire.
A basic agreement between the companies has reportedly been hammered out, but some specific details still need to be discussed between the entities. Interestingly, the deal may cover the licensing of content for Sling.com, part of Sling Media, the EchoStar unit, stated news reports.
For the record, EchoStar joined DISH and Viacom/MTV in not issuing a comment on the reports. Also, for clarification, EchoStar, the spin-off known for its set-top boxes and satellite business, doesn't really need to work with programmers.
DISH and Viacom last struck a carriage deal in March 2004, a contentious affair that forced DISH to pull Viacom channels - including MTV nets - off the air for two days before the sides reached an agreement. At that time, CBS was part of the Viacom empire.