After agreeing to a short-term extension that kept FOX programming on Time Warner Cable Systems during the negotiation period, the parties confirmed Friday that the two have come to terms on a new retransmission consent deal.
The deal, for which terms have not been disclosed, will keep FOX’s owned-and-operated networks and cable stations on Time Warner Cable Systems. Had a deal not been reached, Time Warner cable customers would have lost access FOX’s programming ahead of NCAA bowl games, the NFL playoffs and the season premieres of “American Idol” and “24.” Networks like FX and MyNetworkTV would have also been pulled in at least some of the markets, meaning shows like WWE SmackDown! would have been unavailable as well.
“We’re pleased that, after months of negotiations, we were able to reach a fair agreement with Time Warner Cable — one that recognizes the value of our programming,” said News Corp’s Chase Carey in a THR report.
Added Time Warner’s Glenn Britt, “We’re happy to have reached a reasonable deal with no disruption in programming for our customers.”
FOX had been pushing for a $1/month/subscriber fee for its package of programming. Industry analysts believe the final deal likely fell in the 50-60-cent range, although neither FOX nor TWC will comment on the figure.
