DIRECTV Responds to Tribune Statement
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
We're extremely perplexed as Tribune management and DIRECTV had a
handshake deal on Thursday with an agreed upon rate for their channels.
Their actions are the true definition of "bad faith" in every sense of
the term.
We can't help but wonder whether Tribune's ability to negotiate a
reasonable retransmission agreement with DIRECTV is being undermined by
the complexities and competing interests in their lengthy bankruptcy
process. Despite our best efforts to compensate Tribune fairly for both
WGN America and the local stations, it seems they are focused on unduly
benefitting their creditors rather than viewers. Threatening station
blackouts to extract an exorbitant fee for all of Tribune's content may
provide an improved return for certain banks and hedge funds, but is not
in the interest of its viewers and is not a cure for bankruptcy.
If the local stations and WGN America do come down at midnight, it will
be 100% Tribune's decision to take them away from customers. To come so
close and then renege on terms that affect millions of customers defies
Tribune's long history of protecting the public interest. However, we
hope Tribune does the right thing and honors their word, keeps the
channels on and puts customers before creditors.
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world's leading providers of digital
television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience
through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry
leading customer service to 32 million customers in the U.S. and Latin
America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 19.9 million customers access
to more than 170 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality
sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY
TICKET™, Emmy-award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction
than the leading cable companies for 11 years running. DIRECTV Latin
America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil,
Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American
countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and
service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 12
million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include
three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and
Pittsburgh) as well as a 60 percent interest in Game Show Network. For
the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com.
DIRECTV
Darris Gringeri, 212-205-0882
DAGringeri@directv.com
Robert
Mercer, 310-964-4683
RGMercer@directv.com
Source: DIRECTV
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