Comcast, DirecTV reach agreement on Versus

With so much bad publicity swirling around about retransmission rights and cable operators withholding programming from the competition, it's important to note when the competitors cooperate. In this case, DirecTV and Comcast have reached an agreement that will put Versus back on DirecTV's lineup in the same position it held in August 2009.

Comcast has had some success pushing Versus as the next ESPN. The channel is the fastest growing sports cable network in the country with such niche sports programming as the NHL, Indy car racing, the Tour de France, World Extreme Cagefighting and professional bull riding.

Until the new agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, DirecTV had been running an explanation in place of Versus Channel programming, excoriating Comcast for seeking too much money for the programming. In true sports fashion, both sides shook hands and announced they were "pleased" and "excited" about the new deal.

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