Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Cablevision Sues Viacom for Violating Antitrust Law
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 4, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Cable customers may soon be permitted to drop unwanted channels they are forced to pay for with their bundle if distributor Cablevision wins its antitrust lawsuit against Viacom.
The company argues that Viacom, which owns MTV and Nickelodeon, violated antitrust law by bundling undesired and unknown channels with big ones and forcing customers to pay for the entire package. Viacom has long been in the habit of selling pre-determined bundled packages to cable distributors, and a number of other providers – including Time Warner and DirecTV – support Cablevision’s claims that this scenario constitutes business law violations.
Some providers having difficulties getting distribution are also supporting the lawsuit.
“The U.S. TV market is not a free market and we support Cablevision’s effort to draw attention to the anti-competitive practices that keep independent networks like Ovation from competing on a level playing field,” Chad Gutstein, CEO of the arts channel Ovation, told the Los Angeles Times.
Viacom responded to the lawsuit by noting that it does not require distributors to bundle their channels, but merely provides a financial incentive in the form of a discount for those who purchase these packages, according to the New York Times.
In response to the bundling packages, many distributors say they are losing revenue, as more Americans cancel their cable packages and turn to internet streaming features to access their favorite shows.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business
Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1
The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business
The bankruptcy legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating financial distress. Understanding current bankruptcy trends can help businesses make more informed and strategic decisions. Corporate Bankruptcy Filings Trending Upwards Bankruptcy filings continued to trend upwards in 2024. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, personal and business […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D
In December, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against two privately held companies for failing to file a Form D notice, which is generally utilized for exempt securities offerings. Here, the SEC’s enforcement sends a strong message: compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional and failure to comply can have significant consequences. […]
Author: Kenneth C. Oh
Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda
On February 14, 2025, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, “New Process for More Efficient, Effective, Accessible and Transparent Case handling.” The Memorandum rescinds nearly all of the Memoranda issued by his direct predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo, setting the […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
What Are FIRPTA Withholding Requirements?
If you purchase real property from a foreign person or entity, you may be required to withhold taxes from your payment to the seller under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). The federal tax law is designed to ensure that foreign sellers pay any applicable capital gains tax on profits realized from […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.