Fox, Time Warner Cable Clinch New Deal

LOS ANGELES: Following a fierce dispute over carriage fees, Time Warner Cable and Fox Networks Group this weekend signed a new deal to deliver the flagship FOX network, as well as Fox Soccer Channel and FX, among other channels, to the platform’s more than 13 million subscriber homes.

Fox had threatened to pull the plug on December 31, 2009, in its dispute over carriage fees, while Time Warner Cable resolved to "stay tough" in its campaign over higher affiliate fees. Fox had reportedly been seeking $1 per month per subscriber for carriage of its channels, while Time Warner Cable had wanted to pay about 30 cents. Before the deadline the two parties agreed to keep the channels available while negotiations continued. A deal was finally announced on Saturday. Terms were not disclosed. 

“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 Chase Carey, the deputy chairman, president and COO of News Corporation.

“We’re happy to have reached a reasonable deal with no disruption in programming for our customers,” added Glenn Britt, the chairman, president and CEO of Time Warner Cable.