There has always been a tussle between cable carriers and programmers when it comes to the distribution of content. One of the most famous clashes that you might have come across in recent times is between Charter Communications? and Viacom. If you are a Spectrum subscriber and are worried whether this carriage battle will affect your daily entertainment quota, then latch on to this post and read about the main points of the Spectrum vs. Viacom duel, finally reaching a verdict at the end.
Why is Spectrum Dropping Channels?
After it acquired Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks back in 2016, Charter saw a monumental increase in its footprint across the U.S. At present, Spectrum cable is available to more than 102.7 million people in the nation, with the customer count building day by day.
Due to this sudden rise in pay-tv subscribers, Charter had to deal with the growing programming costs, while keeping the Spectrum packages affordable enough for all its customers. That is why it tried to shift Viacom’s 23 cable networks to higher-tier silver and gold plans. However, this move was not “agreed upon” in its contract with the owner.
When Viacom noticed this subtle shift, it called out to Charter Spectrum? urging the provider to keep the 23 channels in the basic Select TV package, so that they could be accessible to a larger number of viewers, who preferred to go for the lower, and therefore, more inexpensive tier.
Spectrum saw this turning into a stalemate, and this is when the provider decided to let go of the networks owned by Viacom, since, it could not afford to include all 23 channels in its basic TV tier.
Countless Spectrum TV subscribers noticed a message pop on their TV screens on an October Sunday in 2017, showing Spectrum dropping channels powered by Viacom, featuring some of the most popular networks loved by all.
What are the 23 Channels Spectrum is Dropping?
Here is a list of the 23 channels that Spectrum decided to expel from its TV lineups.
MTV – Known for Catfish, The Challenge, Double Shot at Love, and Jersey Shore, etc.
Nickelodeon – Known for Spongebob Squarepants, The Loud House, Danger Force, and Ollie’s Pack, etc.
Comedy Central – Known for South Park, Corporate, Scrubs, and Broad City, etc.
VH1 – Known for RuPaul’s All Star Drag Race, Love & Hip Hop: New York, Black Ink Crew: Chicago, and Girls Cruise, etc.
BET – Known for Tyler Perry’s The Oval, America Soul, Being Mary Jane, and Twenties, etc.
CMT – Known for Nashville, Party Down South, CMT Crossroads, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, etc.
Spike – Known for Yellowstone, 68 Whiskey, Bar Rescue, and Ink Master, etc.
Nick Jr. – Known for Blue’s Clues & You, PAW Patrol, Bubble Guppies, and Rusty Rivets, etc.
TV Land – Known for Everybody Loves Raymond, The Exes, The Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland, etc.
LOGO TV – Known for The A-List: Dallas, Fire Island, Noah’s Arc, and The Arrangement, etc.
MTV2 – Known for 90’s House, Guy Code, Wild n’ Out, and Kingin’ it with Tyga, etc.
Nicktoons – Known for The Fairly OddParents, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Leader Dog, and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc.
TeenNick – Known for Zoey 101, Drake & Josh, iCarly, Victorious, and Big Time Rush, etc.
MTV Classic – Known for Metal Mayhem, 120 Minutes, Rock Docs, and House of Pop, etc.
Nick Music – Known for Bumpin’ Beats, Crushworthy, Mega Nick Mix, and Videos We Heart, etc.
MTV Live – Known for Later… with Jools Holland, MTV Unplugged, and Push Showcase, etc.
BET Her – Known for Snatched, BET Her Presents: Queen Collective, About Her Business, and From the Bottom Up, etc.
CMT Music – Known for CMT Hot Twenty, Music City, and Nashville Squares, etc.
BET Jams – Known for Music Playlist, West Coast Wednesday, and WCW: Femcees, etc.
Tr3s – Known for Quiero Mis Quinces, The Ricardo Laguna Project, and Isa TKM, etc.
BET Soul – Known for The Soul Player, Island Soul, Speak Your Soul, and Soul Squared, etc.
MTVU – Known for MTVU Music Block, and VMA Performers, etc.
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What Could This Mean for Spectrum?
With the announcement of Spectrum dropping 23 channels, an uproar primarily rose from among the ranks of its subscribers who could not bear to let go of their favorite channels that they had carefully picked and paid for while subscribing. Though it had initially meant to lower the cable programming costs and keep the cable deals pocket-friendly, Spectrum came under a serious backlash from American viewers, who threatened to cut the cord.
If Charter had removed the 23 Viacom channels instantly instead of delving into heated negotiations, the cable provider might have lost its subscriber count.
So, to avoid that outcome, Spectrum chose to sit down and have a talk with Viacom.
What Could This Mean for Viacom?
Before its one-on-one combat with Spectrum, Viacom had been losing its standing for several years. Its stock price had fallen to 25% in 2016, so it was clearly on edge, actively pushing its demand for getting top dollar even for the low-popularity channels. A huge majority of its revenue stream came from affiliate fees. If Charter had gone on to end its ties with Viacom, the New York company might have taken a huge hit, as a result.
To prevent that, Viacom leaders continued to negotiate with Spectrum to find a mutually beneficial way out of the situation.
Is Spectrum Dropping 23 Channels?
In short, no. The resolution between Spectrum cable TV and Viacom took place in a number of days, following the start of the tussle. Charter agreed to keep the Viacom channels in its basic Select TV tier while announcing to collaborate on advanced advertising opportunities, which could enhance the viewership data and discourage password sharing for both systems. Spectrum also made a new co-production deal for making original content alongside Paramount Television and having Viacom distribute it internationally and domestically.
Should You Be Concerned?
Now that Spectrum has renewed its carriage deal with Viacom, you have no reason to be concerned about losing any part of your programming. You can watch all the channels you choose with the provider. Don’t believe us? Reach out to Spectrum customer service via live chat or dial 1-855-814-6041 from your phone to inquire about any channel in your Spectrum lineup and clear your mind of doubt.