While Suddenlink Communications’ subscribers remain in the dark, both on their TVs and online, Verizon Communications and Viacom reached a new agreement yesterday that allows Verizon to continue to carry 25 Viacom networks.
The deal was also notable because it granted Verizon the national rights to deliver Viacom programming to Verizon Wireless customers when a new service goes live early next year. Verizon said Viacom was the latest content owner that had agreed to allow Verizon Wireless to deliver video content to its subscribers. Verizon didn’t say who the other “major programmers” were.
The new deal enables live, out of home viewing of all of Viacom’s channels via Verizon’s FiOS Mobile app. FiOS customers can already access live feeds of most of the Viacom networks inside the home with the app.
FiOS TV subscribers will also be able to access Viacom’s authenticated TV Everywhere websites and apps and the its entire library of VOD programming across multiple platforms, such as smartphones and tablets. Additionally, Verizon FiOS will enable dynamic ad insertion in all Viacom TV Everywhere and VOD content, although no further details were provided.
Viacom offers an array of popular networks, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, VH1, Spike, TV Land and CMT, in addition to joint venture services EPIX and Aapka Colors.
“People want to watch TV anywhere, not just in their living rooms. Disruption in the TV marketplace is happening and Verizon wants to reach agreements with content providers like Viacom that reflect that reality and give people what they want,” said Ben Grad, executive director, content strategy and acquisition, Verizon. “We are thrilled to extend our long-term distribution partnership with Viacom Media Networks, delivering some of the most recognizable and popular kids, music and entertainment programming available to our customers anytime, anywhere on a variety of platforms from TV to wireless.”
The deal also allows Verizon to tailor and launch new TV packages to better match content packaging with consumer preferences.
“Verizon FiOS continues to be among the most innovative and consumer-focused video services on the market,” said Samantha Cooper, senior vice president, content distribution, Viacom Media Networks. “We’re glad to have reached an agreement with Verizon that covers the full spectrum of viewing options for their customers across platforms, including wireless, and extends our long-standing and productive partnership.”
On Tuesday, Viacom pulled its linear TV programming and blocked its websites from Suddenlink Communications’ subscribers after the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a new retransmission agreement.
