While Viacom's top executives wage a bitter battle for control of the company; its linear ratings, ad sales and stock price are all struggling; and it continues to be shut out from several mid-sized cable systems, Viacom carriage with top pay-TV operators remains assured.
The programming conglomerate signed a multiyear agreement with Cox Communications that includes carriage of 22 Viacom channels, as well as premium network Epix. Terms weren't announced, but Viacom said the pact expands Cox's on-demand and TV Everywhere rights for Viacom content.
"Cox has consistently been a leader in offering advanced features and services to their subscribers, and Viacom's networks are favorites among those audiences who consume programming on digital devices, whenever and wherever they choose," said Viacom Executive Chairman and CEO Philippe Dauman, in a statement. "Viacom and Cox have worked together for many years to provide industry-leading offerings, and are pleased to continue our strong relationship for many years to come."
The Cox deal comes after Viacom carved out a key carriage agreement with Dish Network (NASDAQ: DISH) last month.
It is also being announced as Dauman continues to fight for his future. The executive today asked a federal judge in Massachusetts to speed up legal action initiated with Viacom czar Sumner Redstone had Dauman removed from a family trust that holds the key to controlling Viacom once Redstone dies or is declared incapacitated.
For more:
- read this Viacom press release
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