It was the basic cable version of the Hatfields and McCoys. But we are happy to report that a peaceful weekend will be enjoyed by everyone at Viacom and DirecTV. The two have kissed and made up.
Viacom and DirecTV have confirmed a new deal that will allow Viacom’s programming to immediately return to the airwaves.
Beginning July 10th, Viacom had effectively blacked out multiple channels – Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, Spike, VH1, etc. – for some 20 million DirecTV customers.
According to CNN, the skirmish came as a longstanding seven-year deal expired without both sides reaching a new deal in time to avoid the blackout.
The companies did not provide a dollar figure on Friday for their new deal, but Nomura analyst Michael Nathanson published a note saying he believes that Viacom got a sizable fee increase from DirecTV.
“We estimate Viacom implied domestic affiliate payment per household is in the area of $2.80 and DTV’s old deal was in the area of $2.25 per sub per month,” Nathanson said.
