In the wake of Viacom yanking its 24 networks away from Suddenlink Communications’ subscribers on Oct. 1 after a new carriage agreement wasn’t reached, the nation’s seventh-largest cable operator has added new channels to its lineup. The latest additions to Suddenlink’s channel roster are UP and Aspire.
The new networks are now available to Suddenlink’s 1.1 million video subscribers across its footprint that includes Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia.
“We are delighted to bring UP’s uplifting, family-friendly programming and the diverse, positive programming of Aspire to Suddenlink customers,” said Hal Rosenberg, senior vice president, content distribution and marketing, UP and Aspire. “The two networks offer a terrific lineup of quality, entertaining original programming that Suddenlink’s customers can’t see anywhere else on television. We look forward to working closely with the Suddenlink team to generate awareness and excitement over the availability of UP and Aspire.”
Based in Atlanta, UP is currently available in 67 million cable and satellite homes across the nation. Family-friendly UP offers original and acquired movies, reality and dramatic series, comedies and music specials to its viewers.
Aspire, which was launched two years ago by Magic Johnson Enterprises, is now available in about 21 millions in 21 of the top 25 African-American markets across the United States.
“UP and Aspire each bring unique content and value to our channel lineup and we believe they will be welcomed enthusiastically by our video customers,” Kathy Payne, Suddenlink senior vice president and chief programming officer, said. “Both networks are committed to presenting the kind of positive values, stories and messages that our customers seek.”
Last week Suddenlink subscribers lost access to Viacom’s 24 channels, which included Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, TV Land, Spike, CMT, VH1, and BET, both online at Viacom’s network web portals and in their homes.
In addition to UP and Aspire, Suddenlink’s new channel lineup also includes Pivot, Own, Sprout, Up, and FXX, among others. A spokesman for Suddenlink said the cable operator had replaced a “comparable” number of the lost Viacom’s channels.
On Tuesday, Suddenlink announced it had reached a long-term distribution agreement with Discovery Communications after reaching a deal with CBS last week.
