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US: Cablevision launches attack on media co’s abuse of dominance

By  |  February 26, 2013

According to a press release, Cablevision Systems Corporation has filed a suit against Viacom in what Cablevision calls an “illegal, anti-consumer, and wrong” method of selling programming. Cablevision was reportedly forced to carry and pay for 14 networks it claims its consumers did not want – including MTV Hits and VH1 Classic – in order to be able to provide popular networks such as MTV and Comedy Central. Cablevision is alleging abuse of market power on Viacom’s end as it forces its consumers to buy unwanted channels to get the channels they want. The press release also states that Cablevision is accusing Viacom of threatening the channel provider with “massive financial penalties” if Cablevision did not comply with Viacom’s demands. The suit was filed in Manhattan.

 

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