The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

January 3, 2013

Suddenlink may lose some of the Fox channels

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter



Suddenlink customers may lose some Fox-owned channels, such as FX and Speed, if a new agreement isn’t reached by the end of the night.

News Corp, also known as Fox Networks, is demanding a 25 percent increase in payment for 2013, as well as additional money in the following years.

The contract was initially set to expire at 5 p.m. Wednesday, but Fox extended the deadline for negotiations through 11:59 p.m. today.

“We continue to negotiate with them in good faith and are making progress toward an agreement,” said Gene Regan, Suddenlink director of corporate communications.

“This agreement does not affect Fox News Channel or Fox Business; those networks are a part of a separate, longer-term contract.”

Channels involved in the negotiations are FX, Speed, Fox Regional Sports, Fox Movie Channel, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, Fuel, Fox Sports Plus, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox College Sports, and Fox Deportes.

“Importantly, if we need more time to work out that new agreement, we’ll ask News Corp to keep their channels on our lineup. Any decisions to remove these channels from Suddenlink’s lineup will be made by News Corp, not by Suddenlink.”

According to suddenlinkonyourside.com, Suddenlink customers pay well over $50 million a year for News Corp channels.

“In the end, we’re happy to pay a fair price for these channels, but a nearly 25 percent increase, which is what News Corp Fox is demanding, is excessive by any measure.”

If Fox does remove the channels, the total per-month credit for the Beckley area will be $1.52.

“This credit would be applied retroactively and prorated for the number of days the affected channels were not available.”

Suddenlink offers television, Internet, phone, security and other services to more than 220,000 households and 9,500 businesses in West Virginia, making it the largest cable broadband company in the state.

— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

Text Only
Local News
  • Record lows set to welcome in start of summer

    The calendar says it’s nearly time for the unofficial start of summer, but late tonight and early Saturday, the area could break record low temperatures.

    May 23, 2013

  • Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys

    The Boy Scouts of America threw open its ranks Thursday to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders — a fiercely contested compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors.

    May 23, 2013

  • Raleigh grand jury hands down 89 indictments

    The mother and stepfather accused in the death of a 2-year-old boy were among the 89 indictments handed down by the Raleigh County Grand Jury.
    Brandy Smallwood, 28, and James Green, 24, both of Fairdale, were charged Feb. 10 in connection with the death of 2-year-old Graydon Morgan.
    Green was indicted for first degree murder, death of a child by child abuse, child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, child neglect resulting in death and child neglect resulting in serious bodily injury.
    The indictment against Smallwood if for death of a child by child abuse, child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, child neglect resulting in death and child neglect resulting in serious bodily injury.

    May 23, 2013

  • Memorial Day ceremonies planned in Fayetteville

    For those looking to spend their Memorial Day weekend taking part in a traditional graveside ceremony, Fayetteville offers two — a candlelight vigil and a groundbreaking for a new veterans’ memorial.

    May 23, 2013

  • Deputy lawsuit settlement reached

    A civil rights lawsuit alleging that a former Greenbrier County sheriff’s deputy had sex with a 16-year-old while “on duty” has been settled for $100,000 and dismissed with prejudice by U.S. District Court Judge Irene Berger.

    May 23, 2013

  • Lewisburg stands against power station purchase

    Local officials waded into the controversy over Monongahela Power’s proposed purchase of the Harrison Power Station on Tuesday, as Lewisburg City Council approved a resolution opposing the transaction.

    May 23, 2013

  • BPD bloodhound and Kohls team-up for kids safety event

    Friday will be a big day for Artie, Beckley Police Department’s tracking bloodhound, and kids who stop by Kohl’s Department Store.

    May 23, 2013

  • Murder trial to begin this August

    A trial for a man accused of murdering a family of four last May has been set for Aug. 13 at 9:30 a.m. before Nicholas County Circuit Court Judge Gary Johnson.

    May 23, 2013

  • 052313 News Recylcing Awards 2.jpg Raleigh schools recycle almost 400 tons this year

    Raleigh County schools have taken home $12,065.63 by recycling 391.9 tons during the school year that is just ending.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Police Department to conduct DUI checkpoint

    The Beckley Police Department will conduct a DUI Sobriety Checkpoint from 9 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. Saturday on Pinewood Drive. An alternate location will be U.S. 19. The checkpoint will be supported by roving DUI Enforcement Patrols throughout the evening and night time hours.

    May 23, 2013