Viacom, Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM channel being shopped as digital-basic service
by Steven Kim 
posted Sep 15th 2008 at 12:43PM
Although Viacom, Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM pitched in together to form a premium movie channel a while back, the group is now trying to secure itself a place more towards the digital-basic service level to the hefty tune of $1 - $2 per subscriber, per month. Even with market exclusivity and considerable studio marketing muscle on the table, though, we doubt there will be much traction among MSOs at this price point; and honestly, we'd hate to see the content chopped up with ads, um, ad nauseum. Worst of all, though, is that we imagine HD could be one of the first items to get the axe if this service is a digital-basic offering. Don't get us wrong -- we're not looking to spend more money every month -- but we are willing to pay for a quality experience.
Filed under: Industry, New content
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mdubs @ Sep 15th 2008 12:53PM
Bad idea if they have to edit content for language/violence/nudity.
mitchelljd @ Sep 15th 2008 1:22PM
Honestly, as a new basic cable channel this new offering would stink!! it should only be added to a plus package. It seems like every Disney/ ESPN type offering, or even YES Network in NY area, wants to be mandatory. let the consumers decide!
Also, basic cable = Advertisements! i'd prefer it in the pay tier, so we get no ads.
additionally, there was no need for viacom/paramount to stab the back of their corporate "Sibling" Showtime, whic has been a great pay tv service for a long time. I am unsure why after Starz there is a need for another pay channel. hence why this "great idea" is just dumb.
T.S. @ Nov 20th 2008 7:03PM
They better stick to the pay cable plan with unedited content, or else this will fall faster than the Festival network.