California residents, like others throughout the nation, often relax by watching their favorite television programs. Many would be frustrated if they tried to tune in to their usual viewing stations, only to learn those stations have been pulled from their channel provider’s lineup. Contract disputes between Bristlecone Broadcasting and FiOS TV have created just such a situation.
Verizon FiOS customers were informed that their channels were being pulled despite efforts to obtain a fair and reasonable solution to the current contract problems. A previous contract between the two companies expired on the last day of December 2016. According to Verizon FiOS, the broadcasting company is trying to bully them into paying higher fees.
Verizon FiOS says it hopes Bristlecone will revoke its current tactics, and instead agree to a new, fair contract that is in viewers’ best interests. Verizon also stated that because Bristlecone refuses to pay for programming rights to its stations, those stations can no longer be provided to Verizon subscribers. Many popular shows, such as, “The Simpsons,” “Empire,” and “Gotham” are going to be missed unless the two companies can reach amicably resolve their differences.
In similar contract disputes, California businesses often turn to experienced attorneys for help. A business and commercial law attorney understands the ins and outs of the legal system and can provide skilled negotiation and/or aggressive litigation when necessary. Obtaining a favorable outcome is often made easier by allowing an attorney to act on one’s behalf in these types of disputes.
Source: syracuse.com, “Syracuse TV stations pulled from Verizon FiOS in contract dispute“, Geoff Herbert, Jan. 2, 2017
