GSN/Cablevision to duke it out in FCC's court

[sshuffield70]

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/art...ablevision.php

GSN says they have no comment concerning their discrimination complaint with the FCC against Cablevision. Cablevision is one of several cable operators that had GSN on a premium sports tier. No, that's not a misprint. We've documented that here for years. But I think Cablevision is the last one of the group. GSN claims Cablevision put WeTV and Wedding Central on expanded basic but shutting them out. All three are niche networks. The hearing is expected in 10-14 days.

[Lingofan97]

Cablevision doesn't carry GSN, but they used to. This is interesting considering the FCC is involved.

[pzimm7778]

The FCC is long overdue in getting involved with things like this and programming demands. I know pay tv isn't a necessity but if costs don't get under control no one is going to be able afford it anymore. I got Directv in 2003. Total cost of the package with 2 boxes and DVR was around $55. That same package with HD and an additional box cost over $100 now.

[MMM717]

I have Cablevision and they carry GSN, but I've been paying extra for that tier of otherwise sports related channels to get it for a while now. Even though it's not a large sum, the extra cost involved makes me that much more annoyed with programming choices they make...

[Lingofan97]

I have Cablevision and they carry GSN, but I've been paying extra for that tier of otherwise sports related channels to get it for a while now. Even though it's not a large sum, the extra cost involved makes me that much more annoyed with programming choices they make...

A lot of networks like "FOX Soccer", "ESPN Classic" and "MTV2" aren't worth paying extra for. I didn't get this story at first, but the FCC should crack down on high fees and ripoffs.

[sshuffield70]

A lot of networks like "FOX Soccer", "ESPN Classic" and "MTV2" aren't worth paying extra for. I didn't get this story at first, but the FCC should crack down on high fees and ripoffs.

It's not that. It's just that all the other channels you mentioned are on extended basic virtually everywhere. As I noted, GSN has been on the sports tier for several years on some systems. GSN and Sony have fought to be on the same extended basic tier as those others. Understand those you mentioned have very strong owners with multiple channels. Sony only has GSN.

[espnews26]

Cablevision doesn't carry GSN, but they used to.

What the Hell are you talking about? They carry GSN.
Had to pay an additional $7 a month for it along with some other channels.

With the FCC intervening, this opens a whole can of worms. If GSN wins, I'd expect a higher bill. Grrrrr.

[Lingofan97]

What the Hell are you talking about? They carry GSN.
Had to pay an additional $7 a month for it along with some other channels.

That's what I'm saying. You have to pay extra. A lot of cable networks don't carry GSN in their first packets, but then you have to pay extra.

[CaseyAbell]

The most that will happen is GSN goes onto one tier instead of another on one cable system. Might help GSN's ratings a little, but it's not a BFD for most folks who watch the network.

[Lingofan97]

The most that will happen is GSN goes onto one tier instead of another on one cable system. Might help GSN's ratings a little, but it's not a BFD for most folks who watch the network.

This will boost GSN's ratings? Very slightly.