Wonder why Dish network is taking them to court?
When Viacom writes things like this:
New York, NY, November 4, 2003 -- Viacom (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) issued the following statement today following the FCC adoption of ‘Broadcast Flag’ rules preventing the unauthorized redistribution of broadcast content over the internet:
‘Today's decision by the FCC is an historic step forward for consumers. By mandating broadcast flag technology in devices equipped to receive digital broadcast television, the Commission has resolved to protect broadcast content and ensure that Americans will continue to receive free, high quality programming in the digital age.’
Translation: We don't want people seeing our things for free so they can keep seeing free things.
Why would you believe things like this:
New York, New York, January 22, 2004 – Following is a statement issued by Viacom today:
‘We are pleased that the Court granted our request in the EchoStar matter to extend the preliminary injunction hearing to the end of February and the TRO to March 3. We are confident in our legal position. However, we continue to believe this is a dispute that belongs at the negotiating table, not the courtroom—and the extension that we requested will ensure that no football fan is denied the opportunity to watch the Super Bowl on CBS.
‘Our priority is reaching our viewers and making sure that they get the channels they love no matter how they choose to receive them. We put a very fair offer on the table a week ago and have had no response from EchoStar, which continues to show more concern with legal maneuvers than providing more choice to their subscribers. We've been able to complete deals with every major distributor. We remain hopeful that, despite its unproductive negotiating tactics, EchoStar will put its customers first and come back to the table.’
Tell them where to stick their rate increases Dish Network. What are we paying for anyways, a Superbowl broadcast that has resulted in the right wing censoring everything we see and hear (Howard Stern for instance), MTV and VH1 (music channels completely devoid of music), Comedy Central that hasn't shown a new episode of anything in months, and Spike TV (Blind Date around the clock). We aren't getting value for money now and you want to raise our rates?!?! I'll just wait for my South Park and Sealab 2021 to come out on DVD.