By Tess Stynes and Keith Collins
DirecTV (DTV) and the Weather Channel separately said on their
websites that the cable network has been removed from the
satellite-television service.
DirecTV reportedly is seeking to reduce the fees it pays to
carry the Weather Channel by more than 20%.
Weather Co., the Weather Channel's parent, is owned by a
consortium that includes Comcast Corp. (CMCSA, CMCSK) subsidiary
NBCUniversal Inc. and private-equity firms Blackstone Group LP (BX)
and Bain Capital LLC.
It isn't uncommon for popular channels, including broadcast
networks, to be blacked out of satellite or cable systems in fee
disputes.
However, Weather Co. Chairman and Chief Executive David Kenny
said in a statement Tuesday that the move is "unprecedented for the
Weather Channel."
"In our 32 years, we have never had a significant disruption due
to a failure to reach a carriage agreement," he added.
DirectTV Chief Content Officer Dan York, meanwhile, said the
company is in the process of discussing an agreement to return the
Weather Channel to its lineup "at the right value for our
customers."
"Consumers understand there are now a variety of other ways to
get weather coverage, free of reality show clutter, and that The
Weather Channel does not have an exclusive on weather coverage -
the weather belongs to everyone," Mr. York said.
While Mr. Kenny didn't include a specific figure, he said
Weather Co. isn't seeking a large fee increase and is "simply
looking for a fair deal that allows our company to continue to
invest in the science and technology."
Mr. Kenny also criticized DirectTV's substitute weather
offering, saying it lacks the field coverage and weather experts
that the Weather Channel provides. He also said the substitute
offering has "no experience in severe weather emergencies. This is
a dangerous gamble over one penny a month that puts DirecTV
customers at risk."
Previously, DirecTV had declined to comment on its rate
requests, but the satellite firm has made clear its view that a
growing reliance on digital services has reduced the need for the
TV channel.
DirecTV shares rose 19 cents to $70.90 in recent trading.
Write to Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@wsj.com and Keith Collins at
keith.collins@wsj.com
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