As you are probably aware, it is possible that DIRECTV will lose Versus at midnight eastern time tonight. If this is the case, a slide will be on the channel saying so. If it does happen and you receive calls from customers, here is a prepared statement and Q&A from DIRECTV.
DORIS
Versus is no longer available on DIRECTV.
Talking Points:
Visit directv.com/versus for all the latest information.
We know how important Versus is to our customers.
We offered Versus a fair deal they would not accept.
We’re doing everything possible to keep prices low for our customers.
There isn’t anything you need to do.
DORIS and dotcom FAQ
Comcast, the largest cable company in the U.S. owns Versus. They regularly try to charge us amounts well in excess of what is fair and reasonable to carry the programming they own. Their reason is obvious: they want to stifle competition from DIRECTV. Comcast's unfair terms undermines DIRECTV's ability to offer our customers the best possible value. If we simply accept these terms, we would have to absorb the unreasonable costs Comcast wants to charge us, and in turn we will be forced to increase the rates our customers pay. We do not want this to happen. In fact, Comcast has forced us to remove Versus because we would not accept the terms they demanded.
We are currently in contract negotiations and will continue to work with Comcast until this matter is resolved. Rest assured that we are making every effort to ensure that you continue to be satisfied with your service.
Q. On-air message says Versus is not available. Why?
Our contract with Comcast expired August 31 and we were unable to reach agreement on a renewal. Comcast was not only demanding renewal terms that did not reflect market value for the channel but also demanding carriage terms that were discriminatory. Comcast forced us to drop Versus unless we agreed to their unreasonable terms.
Q. With Versus no longer available, how will DIRECTV make up for the loss?
We will communicate with you and do what we can to ensure your continued satisfaction and loyalty until the matter is resolved. We will continue to negotiate with Comcast to resolve this matter. In the meantime, you’ll still be able to watch plenty of similar sports programming on other channels we carry.
College football – available on Big Ten Network, CBS College Sports, ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN GamePlan, The Mtn., local channels and your RSN.
NHL - available on NHL Network, NHL Center Ice, and your RSN.
Mixed Martial Arts - available on HDNet, Spike TV, and UFC on DIRECTV Pay-Per-View.
Auto Racing – IRL on ABC, Formula 1 on Fox and Speed.
Bull riding – available on ESPN2 and the Houston Rodeo on DIRECTV Pay-Per-View.
Hunting and fishing – available on ESPN2, The Sportsman Channel, The Outdoor Channel, and Pursuit TV.
Q. What’s keeping you from reaching an agreement?
Comcast is asking for terms which do not reflect the market and which they are not asking of all other distributors. They claim their offer is status quo when in reality, they are asking for almost a 20% increase in fees. DIRECTV wants to keep your monthly fees low, so it’s doing everything it can to avoid paying exorbitant programming fees.
Q. Should I switch to DISH or cable?
No. There’s no need to consider switching providers. DIRECTV has the best variety of exclusive and premium content available anywhere and we have similar programming on other channels (see above). If you are concerned about NHL, we still have time to negotiate with Comcast before the start of the NHL season. For PBR fans, we offered to carry PBR programming, but PBR events are exclusive to Versus and cannot be made available to DIRECTV.
Q. Is this all just so DIRECTV can save money?
Not at all, this is about DIRECTV getting treated fairly and not wanting to pass on high programming fees to our customers.
