Bakish Not Planning Lawsuit Against Tiering by Charter

Viacom is not planning to sue Charter Communications for moving some of the Viacom networks onto less popular tiers.

During Viacom’s earnings conference call, analyst Rich Greenfield of BTIG Research, noted that Charters’ action, and its decision to launch a non-sports tier without Viacom networks, had depressed Viacom stock. Greenfield noted that Viacom hadn’t sued Charter and asked if Viacom CEO Bob Bakish’s predecessor had signed a contract that actually allowed the Viacom networks to be moved.

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Bakish replied that Viacom has a “strong point of view they don’t have the contractual right to tier our service the way they have” and that the documents have been reviewed by outside counsel.

But Bakish added, “I don’t fundamentally believe suing big customers is the way to solve problems. I think the better way to solve it is through engagement and exploring ways we can create value together. And that’s what we’re focused on.” At this point, Bakish said he doesn’t see the situation getting resolved until the current deal with Charter expires and a new deal is negotiated.

Go to broadcastingcable.com for the full story.

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.