DIRECTV dropping Viacom networks Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV?

DIRECTV may be dropping all Viacom networks such as Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV. According to DIRECTV, Viacom executives sent a letter to the satellite TV company which demands removal of their networks by midnight, July 10 if a distribution agreement isn’t made. DIRECTV says they asked if the channels could stay live while negotiations were ongoing, but Viacom would not agree to this. DIRECTV also claims Viacom is demanding a 30% increase for the network channels (which amounts to approximately a billion dollars). Viacom puts the blame on DIRECTV, saying that the company “refuses to consider a fair deal that recognizes the value of Viacom programming.” Other Viacom channels that could possibly be dropped at midnight tonight include BET, VH1, CMT, Spike TV, and TV Land. The dispute affects all of Viacom’s HD as well as standard-definition channels.