Poker Central, the startup programmer that has launched on assorted digital platforms, has obtained its first multichannel-TV launch, on Buckeye CableSystem in Ohio. Starting today, the network is available on Buckeye CableSystem channel 92 in standard definition and channel 579 in high definition in Toledo and Sandusky, Ohio.

In December, Poker Central (which launched in October 2015) reached an agreement with the National Cable Television Cooperative which makes it easier for multichannel video programming distributors, including NCTC member Buckeye CableSystem, to add the network.

The launch partners announced the news at a press conference at Hollywood Casino Toledo.

Quotes from the launch release: 

“We are pleased to be able to offer our subscribers the very best and newest in entertainment and sports programming," said Jeff Abbas, president and general manager of Buckeye CableSystem. “Poker Central will find many passionate viewers among our customers in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.”

“Hollywood Casino Toledo is pleased to be a part of the launching of Poker Central in our area. We look forward to Poker Central providing unprecedented coverage of the poker world and insider access to the incredibly talented professionals who make the game so compelling.” said Jeffry Goodman, Vice President of Casino Operations, Hollywood Casino Toledo.

“The Internet made poker play global and universal, appealing to a new generation of poker players and giving rise to celebrities outside of Hollywood and traditional sports”, said Sid Eshleman, Chief Distribution Officer for Poker Central.

Mediacom Communications and Viacom said they signed a renewal to carry the programmer's 19 national networks and the premium service Epix, days before the contract was set to run out. Terms were not disclosed but Mediacom will get substantially more free video-on-demand programming and expanded functionality for verified TV-everywhere viewing in and out of the home. 

Viacom has experienced drops on smaller cable providers such as Suddenlink and Cable One after pushing through what operators termed a substantial fee increase more than a year ago. Mediacom, the eighth-biggest U.S. cable provider, said via a quote from chairman and CEO Rocco Commisso that “we appreciate Viacom’s willingness to enter into a reasonable agreement that takes into consideration our consumers’ sensitivity to pricing and the alternative ways content is consumed today.” 

“Viacom has long been an innovator in the content space,” Commisso said in the release. “We look forward to providing our customers with the very best that Viacom has to offer.”

Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman said in the release: “We are pleased to have reached a comprehensive deal with Mediacom that delivers strong value for our brands and provides even better ways for Mediacom customers to enjoy their favorite Viacom content. Mediacom has been an outstanding partner for many years, and we look forward to continuing to grow our businesses together.”

In January, Citigroup media analyst Jason Bazinet downgraded Viacom, citing potential vulnerability to further drops, including by Dish Network. On Dish's first-quarter earnings call on May 11, chairman and CEO Charlie Ergen said talks were ongoing and noted Dish had done a separate deal for Epix. Viacom is home to such networks as MTV, Comedy Central and Spike. (Pictured: Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.)