Looks like AMC Networks’ warning to Verizon FiOS‘ 4.6M subscribers that they were “about to lose” channels including AMC, IFC, and WE tv was all for naught. The companies announced they have a pact to keep the channels on the phone giant’s video system past the end of December, when the current contract expires. While the companies didn’t disclose specific terms, AMC says that it’s a “long-term agreement” that “recognizes the value of our networks.” Susquehanna Financial Group’s Vasily Karasyov predicts the programmer will see a 6% increase in the fees it collects from Verizon, but says we should know the answer next year when AMC reports its Q1 earnings. A few weeks ago, Verizon chastized AMC for trying to “scare” FiOS customers adding that it has “a history of using their viewers as pawns in their negotiations with distributors.” Dish Network recently resumed carriage of AMC’s networks after dropping them in June while the companies were engaged in a legal battle.

Sweet. Now 4.5-million of those 4.6-million can pay for channels they will never watch.
And the remaining million subscribers will pay for HD feeds that look worse than YouTube on a dial-up.
Why must these big companies air their dirty laundry in public? A professional organization would make these deals behind the scenes. Their customers would appreciate that much more.
Agreed. AMC’s behavior has been absolutely abysmal and incredibly immature. Shrinking the screen and running messages harassing Verizon FiOS subscribers during “The Walking Dead” is just about the most idiotic and annoying thing I’ve ever seen a cable TV channel do.
Wah Wah. AMC is smart. I and much much much much more than 100k people complained. We keep our show and Verizon keeps their customers. Win win.