Finally, some honesty from Scripps on the ILoveFoodNetwork blog. It happens in their latest post. In it, they say they “[think] you deserve a straightforward, honest update on what’s going on.”
Well, hell, so do all of us Cablevision subscribers! So, bring the truth, Scripps!
“We continue to believe we are being fair and reasonable in our negotiations with Cablevision.”
My comment: So clearly you’re acknowledging that it’s YOU who’s not agreeing to any deal, and it’s YOU who’s not letting us have our programming.
“Our other distribution partners have willingly accepted the rates we’ve set for our networks. Everyone except Cablevision.”
My comment: Glad to know every single other partner has accepted your demands and that you can’t compromise with ONE—I repeat, ONE—partner.
“The only homes that can’t see Food Network and HGTV are the approximately 3 million Cablevision customers.”
My comment: As noticed by others in that blog’s comments section, it’s telling that they use the word “only” when referring to the amount of people who they yanked the programming from. Kind of gives you the feeling that they’re not sweating too badly at the thought of losing viewers from this group.
Well, got to hand them credit: They’re being truthful to us for a change. And here’s the truth: Cablevision has not met their demands, and so WE get punished.
As I’ve repeatedly stated: I am no fan of Cablevision. I think their customer service is deplorable, and I think they are a greedy company. However, Scripps has shown just how callous and how deceitful it is willing to be in order for it get more money during a recession despite its boasts of their own financial health. As such, I urge you to contact Cablevision and tell them NOT to play ball with Scripps.
I also urge Alton Brown to defect to PBS. My wife kindly asks the same from Giada. Imagine: Lydia followed by Giada. America’s Test Kitchen followed by Alton Brown? Fantastic.
I used to love Food Network 