Ahead of what could possibly be contentious carriage negotiations with Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) this summer, Discovery Networks on Wednesday announced a multi-year, multi-platform renewal with Cablevision (NYSE: CVC).
The agreement extends carriage--and multiscreen access--to 13 Discovery Channels: the flagship Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, American Heroes Channel, Velocity, Destination America, Discovery Family Channel, Discovery Life Channel, Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia.
A deal with the nation's No. 4 MSO is key to Discovery heading into what will likely be a showdown with the No. 1 cable company, Comcast. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has been an outspoken critic of Comcast's efforts to merge with Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC).
"Investing in world-class content that satisfies viewers' curiosity has always been Discovery's top priority," said Eric Phillips, president, domestic distribution for Discovery Communications. "This renewed agreement speaks to the value of that investment, as well as the track record of success and continued strength of Discovery's brands. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Cablevision and to bringing their subscribers the high-quality, original content they've come to expect from our portfolio of networks."
For more:
- read this Discovery Networks press release
- read this Deadline Hollywood story
- read this Hollywood Reporter story
Related links:
Cablevision's Dolan calls 73-year-old Knicks fan a 'hateful mess'
Cablevision launches Freewheel Wi-Fi service, highlights data capabilities instead of voice
Cablevision names Sweeney CFO as Siebert moves to vice chairman