Viacom and Dish Reach Short-Term Extension

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Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman says the programmer has reached a short-term carriage deal with Dish Network.

The current agreement with Dish expires this month and concern that Viacom’s networks, including Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central, could be dropped by a major carrier was a major concern to Wall Street investors. Viacom networks have been dropped by some smaller operators.

On Viacom’s earnings conference call Tuesday morning, Dauman said that Viacom was in negotiations with Dish and has entered into a short-term extension while they discuss a long-term renewal.

“We believe we will reach an agreement that will be productive for both sides,” he said.

Jon Lafayette
Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.