Time Warner Cable has also dropped Showtime, which is owned by
CBS, in major markets nationwide.
"We deeply regret this ill-advised action, which is injurious
not only to our many affected viewers, but also to Time Warner
Cable itself," CBS said in a statement. "Throughout this process,
Time Warner Cable has conducted negotiations in a combative and
non-productive spirit, indulging in pointless brinksmanship and
distorted public positioning -- such as the fictional and
ridiculous 600% increase CBS supposedly demanded -- while
maintaining antiquated positions no longer held by any other
programming distributor in the business."
The dispute centers on CBS' demands for an increase in fees in
New York, Dallas and Los Angeles, which Time Warner Cable claims is
600% higher than what they pay for the network in other
markets.
"We agreed to an extension on Tuesday morning with the
expectation that we would engage in a meaningful negotiation with
CBS," a Time Warner Cable spokeswoman said in a statement. "Since
then, CBS has refused to have a productive discussion. It's become
clear that no matter how much time we give them, they're not
willing to come to reasonable terms."
In a statement, Showtime said this was the first time a
distributor has removed its programming. "Attempts to reach an
extension on negotiations were denied by Time Warner Cable,
resulting in Showtime going dark in major markets."
CBS Sports issued a press release noting that Time Warner Cable
subscribers will not be able to view its coverage beginning
Saturday of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament, which
Tiger Woods is currently leading. Its coverage of the PGA
Championship, the season's final major, begins Thursday, Aug.
8.
CBS chief Leslie Moonves has argued that Time Warner Cable has
the means to pay more.
"What CBS seeks, and what we always have sought from the
beginning, is fair compensation for the most-watched television
network with the most popular content in the world. We will not
accept less," the network said.
As the companies negotiate, they have been
running campaigns to get TV viewers on their side. CBS has been
warning viewers that Time Warner Cable is threatening to "hold your
favorite shows hostage," while Time Warner Cable is airing
commercials accusing CBS of giving New York a "black eye."