Viacom and MTV Networks

“Although we are working to negotiate a fair price for these networks, Viacom has the right to require us to remove them from your lineup on 4/1/14 until a new agreement is secured.”

As your hometown Cable TV provider, Frankfort Plant Board (FPB) is a part of your community and strives to provide customers local service at the best value possible.

We are currently in talks with Viacom, the owner of cable networks such as Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, TV Land, BET and many others. Viacom is seeking a large increase in the fees they charge for these networks and we are working to substantially reduce that increase. Significant network fee increases directly impact your bill and rest assured – we’re on your side to keep these fees low.

Although we are working to negotiate a fair price for these networks, Viacom has the right to require us to remove them from your lineup on 4/1/14 until a new agreement is secured.  We will offer to continue payment and carriage of these networks past March 31 until we reach a new agreement, but Viacom may refuse that offer.

As your local municipal utility, we sincerely appreciate your loyalty as we strive to deliver the best value for you.

Why would Viacom ask for such a large increase?

We negotiate agreements to carry networks in exchange for a monthly fee per customer. We are on your side and try to strike the best deal so it has less impact on your monthly bill. Viacom feels their networks have been underpriced and are seeking much higher rates each month, despite the fact that their most popular networks saw ratings declines through much of 2013. We are currently working with Viacom and are optimistic about reaching an agreement.

Why don’t you pay Viacom whatever they want so I don’t lose their networks?

We are committed to keeping the Viacom networks on your line-up and are actively working toward an agreement that does not burden our customers with excessive price increases. With the hundreds of channels we offer our customers, imagine the impact to your monthly bill if we just agreed to pay networks whatever they asked.

Which networks could be affected?

FPB carries the following Viacom networks on Classic Cable: Comedy Central (Channel 55 SD/555 HD), Spike (56/556), TV Land (63), Nickelodeon (69/569), CMT (89/589), BET (90/590), MTV (91/591), VH1 (92/592).  On Preferred Cable: Nick Jr. (131), Teennick (132), Nicktoons (134), Centric (170), MTV2 (171), MTV Hits (172), VH1Classic (173), VH1 Soul (174), CMT Pure Country (175).  On HD Plus: Palladia (774).

Where can I learn more about the status of these negotiations?

Visit www.tvonmyside.com

If we lose these networks, will I get a refund on my bill?

FPB is hopeful a deal will be worked out and the networks will remain part of our lineup, but if Viacom is unwilling to agree to reasonable rates, FPB will look at all of our options. Those options will include the possibility of adding other, comparable networks and/or reimbursement to customers. While no plans or details have been finalized, FPB will look at every option to ensure customer satisfaction.