Time Warner customers are fed up with an ongoing dispute between the cable provider and CBS News, which recently culminated in the provider blacking out the channel for subscribers.
In response, customers have filed a class-action lawsuit against Time Warner, arguing that as paying customers, the provider cannot legally black out channels they are paying for under entertainment law.
Time Warner and CBS are currently in an intense battle over programming fees after CBS requested an increase in carriage fees for its channels. The ongoing argument resulted in a two-week blackout of CBS-owned stations in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and several other service areas across the country.
The case calls into question the rights and obligations that cable providers – or other service networks – have to their customers who are subscribed to certain packages. This issue is not the first of its kind, and a number of related lawsuits have highlighted other touchy areas, such as whether cable providers can force customers to pay for unpopular channels they don’t want. On the business aspect, networks have also become embroiled as of late in anti-trust legal battles that could change the television industry and provide more clarification on networks’ responsibilities.
For instance, the Cablevision and Viacom dispute revolves around wholesale bundling, an increasingly unpopular industry practice, in which media conglomerates force cable companies to carry all their cable networks in one mandatory package. The issue is becoming more widely scrutinized as networks argue that it creates an anti-competitive environment and forces consumers to take on a greater share of costs for channels they don’t want. As all of these issues are inter-related, it will be interesting to see how upcoming rulings on cable providers’ rights and obligations affect the overall entertainment industry.
Do you have any further questions regarding the class-action lawsuit with Time Warner? Then please feel free to contact one of the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorneys to discuss this topic further.
Company Dissolved? Legal and Financial Consequences to Expect
A company is dissolved; legally, it ceases to exist. Accordingly, dissolution results in significant legal and financial consequences. It is a process that must be properly managed to avoid continuing liability. The Corporate Dissolution Process Corporate dissolution is the legal process of formally closing a corporation, paying its debts and distributing the remaining assets. Most […]
The Legal Implications of Signing a Triple Net Lease
A triple net lease is a commercial lease in which the tenant pays the property’s real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, known as the three nets, in addition to base rent. They are most often used in freestanding retail and office buildings and in large single-tenant industrial properties, with terms that typically run 10 […]
When to Settle and When to Fight: A Litigator's Framework
Every lawsuit comes with a cost, and knowing when to settle a lawsuit is one of the most consequential decisions a business owner will face. Experienced litigators understand how to minimize cost and obtain certainty for their clients. For many business owners, the decision is viewed almost entirely through a financial lens: What will it cost […]
A Whistleblower Just Filed a Complaint Against Your Company: Here's What to Do Now
Few situations create more uncertainty than learning that an employee has filed a whistleblower complaint. Questions arise immediately: Is the allegation legitimate? Should the employee be placed on leave? Do we need to notify our insurance carrier? Are we now prevented from disciplining the employee if there are unrelated ongoing work related issues? There is […]
Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: An Alternative to Bankruptcy for Distressed Businesses
When a business reaches the point where it can no longer service its debts or otherwise resolve its liabilities, management is often faced with a difficult question: is a bankruptcy filing necessary or is there another way to perform an orderly liquidation or sale of the business assets? While Chapters 7 and 11 of the […]
Breaking Down New Jersey’s “Mansion” Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
For many years, the New Jersey Mansion Tax has been a significant consideration in high-value real estate transactions. Recent legislative changes, however, have substantially altered how the tax operates, including who is responsible for paying it and the amount owed in certain transactions. Whether you are purchasing, selling, or investing in New Jersey real estate, […]
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.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
