Last week it was announced that A+E Networks maybe leaving DIRECTV NOW. That deadline was yesterday but this morning A+E Networks including A+E, Lifetime, History, and other A+E owned channels are still on DIRECTV NOW.
According to AT&T, no deal has been reached but AT&T and A+E have agreed to extend talks and keep A+E Networks on DIRECTV NOW, U-verse TV, and DIRECTV as talks continue. No word on how close they are to a deal but the good news is A+E Networks will for now stay on AT&T’s TV services as talks continue.
Here is A+E Networks statement on the ongoing talks:
“AT&T has not demonstrated a willingness to negotiate reasonably,” A+E Networks Group CEO Paul Buccieri said. “The deal we are seeking is based on the same fair market terms that have allowed us to reach deals with numerous other providers. AT&T simply has not yet demonstrated that they recognize the value of our programming and the high regard we have for our viewers – including AT&T’s own customers.”
“Having recently acquired WarnerMedia, AT&T appears intent on using their new position to gain an unfair advantage for their own channels,” Buccieri wrote. “Many, including the U.S. Department of Justice, were concerned that AT&T would have the ability and incentive to discriminate against programmers like A+E Networks and others like us. It seems that concern has become a reality.”
Here is AT&T’s statement on the ongoing talks:
We’re disappointed to see A&E put our customers in the middle of their negotiations. We are on the side of customer choice and value and want to keep these channels in our customers’ lineups. We hope to avoid any interruption to these channels that some of our customers care about.
Our goal is always to deliver the content our customers want at a value that also makes sense to them. We’ve always fought to get the best deal for our customers, delivering the content they want at a great value. We’ll continue to fight for that here.
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