jdh8668
11-07-07, 03:34 PM
Just saw this on another site and thought I would pass it along
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (November 7, 2007) -- HDNet has filed a lawsuit against DIRECTV to block its plan to move the channel into a new programming package that will likely have far fewer viewers.
HDNet and its sister network, HDNet Movies, are now available to all DIRECTV high-def owners who pay $9.99 a month.
However, on December 15, the satcaster will move Universal HD and the two HDNet networks to a new programming package called "DIRECTV HD Extra Pack."
The HD Extra Pack, which will also include three recent channel additions (Smithsonian HD, MGM HD and MHD), will cost an extra $4.99 a month. It's uncertain how many subscribers will agree to pay the extra fee, but it's likely to be far less than the entire DIRECTV HD base.
In the lawsuit, which was filed in the 101st District Court in Dallas, HDNet charges that DIRECTV is "embarking on an unlawful campaign to destroy HDNet and to usurp its position in the market."
The high-def network, which was co-founded by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, said DIRECTV's package switch is in "gross violation of their contractual obligations."
"Defendants have decided to effectively kill HDNet's viewership by moving the two broadcast package -- where the channels are distributed to more than 2,000,000 households -- to a newly created obscure and overpriced package that puts the HDNet channels well beyond the reach of the average television viewer," the lawsuit says.
Robert Mercer, a DIRECTV spokesman, today disputed that the satcaster is violating its contract with HDNet.
"We are disappointed that our business partner would ignore the plain language of our agreement and file an unnecessary lawsuit coupled with a request for the unwarranted, extraordinary relief of a temporary restraining order," Mercer said. "They have not provided any concrete evidence to support their claims. We are acting in accord with our agreement with HDNet and we will defend the lawsuit vigorously."
Cuban declined to comment today on the lawsuit. However, the suit charges that DIRECTV wants to move HDNet so it can "feature their own programming and that of their favorite partners, Liberty Media Corporation and entities controlled by Liberty's Chairman, John C. Malone."
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (November 7, 2007) -- HDNet has filed a lawsuit against DIRECTV to block its plan to move the channel into a new programming package that will likely have far fewer viewers.
HDNet and its sister network, HDNet Movies, are now available to all DIRECTV high-def owners who pay $9.99 a month.
However, on December 15, the satcaster will move Universal HD and the two HDNet networks to a new programming package called "DIRECTV HD Extra Pack."
The HD Extra Pack, which will also include three recent channel additions (Smithsonian HD, MGM HD and MHD), will cost an extra $4.99 a month. It's uncertain how many subscribers will agree to pay the extra fee, but it's likely to be far less than the entire DIRECTV HD base.
In the lawsuit, which was filed in the 101st District Court in Dallas, HDNet charges that DIRECTV is "embarking on an unlawful campaign to destroy HDNet and to usurp its position in the market."
The high-def network, which was co-founded by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, said DIRECTV's package switch is in "gross violation of their contractual obligations."
"Defendants have decided to effectively kill HDNet's viewership by moving the two broadcast package -- where the channels are distributed to more than 2,000,000 households -- to a newly created obscure and overpriced package that puts the HDNet channels well beyond the reach of the average television viewer," the lawsuit says.
Robert Mercer, a DIRECTV spokesman, today disputed that the satcaster is violating its contract with HDNet.
"We are disappointed that our business partner would ignore the plain language of our agreement and file an unnecessary lawsuit coupled with a request for the unwarranted, extraordinary relief of a temporary restraining order," Mercer said. "They have not provided any concrete evidence to support their claims. We are acting in accord with our agreement with HDNet and we will defend the lawsuit vigorously."
Cuban declined to comment today on the lawsuit. However, the suit charges that DIRECTV wants to move HDNet so it can "feature their own programming and that of their favorite partners, Liberty Media Corporation and entities controlled by Liberty's Chairman, John C. Malone."