or


[01/22/06 - 12:00 AM]
Lifetime Rejects Unfair and Unreasonable 'Take It Or Leave It' Offer from Dish Network

[via press release from Lifetime]

Lifetime Rejects Unfair and Unreasonable 'Take It or Leave It' Offer From DISH Network

DISH Sought Draconian Cuts in Rates for Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network As a Result, the Two Top-Rated Women's Networks Will Remain Unavailable to DISH Subscribers

Building on Groundswell of Support from Viewers and Advocates, Lifetime Launches National Campaign to Encourage DISH Subscribers to "Switch from DISH"

NEW YORK, Jan. 22 -- Lifetime Entertainment Services today rejected an unfair and unreasonable "take it or leave it" offer from DISH Network that would have crippled Lifetime's and Lifetime Movie Network's ability to offer quality entertainment and impassioned advocacy on behalf of women. Lifetime will undertake a national multi-media campaign to encourage DISH customers to "Take Back Your Lifetime" by switching from DISH because Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network's programming will remain unavailable on DISH.

On New Year's Eve, DISH unilaterally yanked the #1 and #2 women's networks off the air, falsely and repeatedly asserting that Lifetime sought a 76% increase in its fees. This is an absolutely bogus number. Lifetime only asked for a modest increase of a few pennies per month in its fees for the two networks combined. In fact, negotiations broke down on New Year's Eve and have broken down yet again over DISH's insistence that Lifetime accept a draconian cut in rates that would be far below fair market value.

In the weeks since DISH's drastic action, there has been a groundswell of support for the two networks from viewers, leading women's advocates and from cable and other satellite providers. Nonetheless, DISH chose to continue to deny millions of its subscribers the two most popular women's networks, even after Lifetime offered to extend the existing contract while the two sides negotiated.

"Despite the fact that Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network are the two most-watched women's networks, including among DISH's own subscribers, DISH sought to drastically cut the rates they pay," said Betty Cohen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lifetime Entertainment Services. "We chose this course of action to protect the integrity of our programming and the vibrancy of our advocacy, and we are committed to continuing to provide the high quality entertainment and support that our viewers have come to expect."

Cohen added, "The rates we have proposed to DISH are highly competitive relative to what we believe DISH is paying for other networks -- including networks that are far less popular -- and would not add to DISH customers' costs. We continue to be open to an agreement with DISH that is fair to us, to our viewers and to other providers, and which reflects the value of our networks, but we have not once heard such an offer from them in more than seven months of negotiations."

Said Cohen, "Considering that these are top networks in all of basic cable, it is incomprehensible that DISH refuses to pay for a fair and reasonable contract for Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network."

Concluded Ms. Cohen, "The extraordinary support we've received from hundreds of thousands of women across the country, along with the efforts by cable operators and other satellite providers to attract DISH subscribers, validates the high value of Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network, especially the irreplaceable programming and impassioned advocacy."

Lifetime Networks are Top Women's Networks and Overall

Cohen noted that DISH has never offered more than three women's networks. In comparison, DISH carries 46 sports networks and seven pornography channels among its more than 180 slots. "Apparently, DISH has a quota on women's programming that precludes them from offering the top women's networks. What's more, while they are depriving women subscribers of their favorite programs, they have the audacity to raise their prices by $2 to $3 per month starting on February 1. There is no substitute for Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network. Clearly, DISH subscribers are paying more for less."

* In 2005, Lifetime was the #4 most popular basic cable network, ranking higher than Discovery, MTV, and CNN, among others.

* Lifetime Movie Network was ranked as the "favorite" network and "the most important to the enjoyment of DISH" by DISH Network subscribers, according to the latest Beta Satellite Subscriber Study of mid-sized (40-70 million subscribers) and emerging (less than 40 million subscribers) networks.

* Lifetime Movie Network also had the highest perceived monthly value to DISH Network subscribers, according to the same study.

* Last year, Lifetime Movie Network was ranked #12 in total day ratings among basic cable networks.

* Lifetime Movie Network's ratings were equal to or better than channels like MTV, Spike TV, The Travel Channel, History Channel, Court TV, The Learning Channel (TLC), Food Network, and Home & Garden Television, all of which are carried on DISH.

In addition, the networks are introducing exciting new programming such as the Lifetime Original Movie, "For One Night" starring Raven-Symone; two new reality series, "Cheerleader Nation" and "Face the Family"; and a new comedy, "Lovespring," from Will & Grace's Eric McCormack that will all be unavailable to DISH subscribers.

Lifetime to Expand "Switch from DISH" Campaign Nationwide

Lifetime announced plans to expand nationwide its current campaign to encourage customers of DISH Network to "Take Back Your Lifetime" and "Switch from DISH" to DIRECTV or a local cable provider. The campaign includes:

* A multimedia campaign of radio, television and print advertising in markets across the country, as well as aggressive Internet marketing;

* A stepped-up campaign to promote Lifetime's and Lifetime Movie Network's programming and the value it provides our viewers;

* Marketing partnerships with DIRECTV and local cable operators, who are offering discounts and other incentives to subscribers who switch their provider;

* These incentives will be combined with incentives offered by Lifetime to "Switch from Dish."

The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company, which are 50/50 owners of Lifetime Entertainment Services, have endorsed this decision and will apply their resources to help ensure that Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network are available to the widest possible viewership.

Lifetime also is partnering with women's advocates and organizations across the country to raise awareness of Lifetime networks' critical support of issues of vital importance to women, such as breast cancer, heart disease, domestic violence and more.

Lifetime released excerpts of letters sent by advocates for women lauding the networks' programming and advocacy:

* "Lifetime networks offer programming that covers issues crucial to women -- such as breast cancer, violence against women, economic equality and girls' self-esteem -- which are virtually ignored by other networks." - Martha Burk, Immediate Past Chair, and Susan Scanlan, Chair, National Council of Women's Organizations, nonpartisan, nonprofit umbrella organization of almost 200 groups that collectively represent over ten million women across the United States, ranging from Business and Professional Women/USA to the National Organization for Women

* "Lifetime is uniquely important to women." - Peggy Sanchez Mills, CEO, YWCA USA

* "Lifetime has made a corporate-wide, years-long commitment to providing quality entertainment, while also offering information, education and resources on issues critical to women's health and safety." - Rita Smith, Executive Director, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

In addition, eight of ten women members of the Congressional Black Caucus wrote that without Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network, there will be fewer "diverse channels available for people to watch. This is a step backwards and we strongly believe that there needs to be more diversity on television, not less."

Lifetime also has received thousands of supportive comments from viewers not only supporting Lifetime but also complaining about DISH's high-handed tactics in yanking Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network off the air and not supporting diversity in women's programming. About Lifetime Entertainment Services

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television, and LIFETIME Television is one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

SOURCE LIFETIME Television
Web Site: http://www.lifetimetv.com





  [january 2006]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S


· CHEERLEADER NATION (LIFETIME)
· FACE THE FAMILY (LIFETIME)
· FOR ONE NIGHT (LIFETIME)
· LOVESPRING INTERNATIONAL (LIFETIME)





[01/10/25 - 12:01 PM]
"Saturday Night Live" Kicks Off 2025 with New Shows Beginning Jan. 18
Look for Dave Chappelle to host on January 18 followed by Timothée Chalamet on January 25.

[01/10/25 - 10:31 AM]
The "Doc" Is in with a Double Dose of FOX's Gripping New Medical Drama
The show's debut installment will rebroadcast this Sunday, January 12 and Monday, January 13.

[01/10/25 - 08:31 AM]
Cleveland Cavaliers Victory Over Oklahoma City Thunder on ESPN Averaged 1.87 Million Viewers
Wednesday's coverage peaked at 2.5 million viewers.

[01/10/25 - 07:06 AM]
"Puppy Bowl XXI" Returns Sunday, February 9 Across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, Max and discovery+
The annual three-hour television event will feature 142 rescue puppies from 80 shelters across 40 states - and two countries - as they compete in the cutest competition of the year.

[01/10/25 - 05:31 AM]
Venu Sports Will Be Discontinued
Venu Sports, the proposed virtual MVPD service from ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery, will be discontinued.

[01/10/25 - 03:01 AM]
Video: "My Family" - Official Teaser - Netflix
A terminally ill father prepares his chaotic family to care for his two young kids and face life without him - but they must put old quarrels to rest.

[01/10/25 - 01:23 AM]
Disney+ and Curious Films to Produce "Caroline (w/t)" Original Feature Length Documentary Film
The film will celebrate the life and career of one of the UK's most popular TV presenters Caroline Flack and follows Christine, Caroline's mother, as she seeks to understand the events in the final months of her daughter's life.

[01/09/25 - 01:54 PM]
Video: Hunting Down the Truth - "The Hunting Party" - Trailer - NBC
After an impossible breakout at a top-secret prison, one team must race against time to recapture escaped serial killers who are more dangerous than ever before.

[01/09/25 - 11:21 AM]
CBS Program Advisory: "Hollywood Squares" Premiere Moves to Next Thursday
In light of the ongoing tragic wildfires in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, tonight's premiere of "Hollywood Squares" will move to next Thursday, January 16.

[01/09/25 - 08:32 AM]
ESPN's College Football Bowl Viewership Reaches Record Highs for 2024-25 Season
The 33 non-College Football Playoff bowls averaged 2.7 million viewers, marking a 14 percent year-over-year increase and the largest audience since the 2019-20 season.

[01/09/25 - 08:25 AM]
"The American Revolution," A New Film from Ken Burns, to Premiere November 16, 2025
The new six-part, 12-hour documentary series that explores the country's founding and its eight-year War for Independence, will premiere on Sunday, November 16 and air for six consecutive nights through Friday, November 21st at 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET on PBS.

[01/09/25 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Lucca's World" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Determined to help her son, who has cerebral palsy, Bárbara takes her family to India for an experimental treatment. Based on the book of the same name.

[01/09/25 - 07:00 AM]
WWE "RAW" Wrestles Up 4.9M Global Views for Netflix Debut
The inaugural event on Netflix averaged 2.6 million households (Live+SD) in the US, according to VideoAmp, which is 116% higher than "RAW's" average 2024 US audience of 1.2 million households, and higher than any other "Monday Night RAW" broadcast in the past five years.

[01/09/25 - 06:00 AM]
Video: "Onside: Major League Soccer" - Official Trailer - Apple TV+
Off the pitch and on the record. An access-all-areas look at Major League Soccer.

[01/09/25 - 05:31 AM]
Video: "Sakamoto Days" - Final Trailer - Netflix
Once the greatest hitman of all, Taro Sakamoto retired in the name of love. But when his past catches up, he must fight to protect his beloved family.