The Los Angeles Times reports DirectTV is issuing subtle threats about dropping The Weather Channel as their carriage deal is about to expire.
The satellite broadcasting company has started distributing another weather network, in a move that appears to try and force TWC’s hand.
DirectTV, the El Segundo satellite broadcaster with more than 20 million subscribers around the country, has quietly started distributing a network called WeatherNation just as its deal to carry the Weather Channel is set to expire.
AdvertisementAlthough talks between the two companies are ongoing, DirecTV’s decision to add WeatherNation is seen as a not-so-subtle threat that it is willing to drop the Weather Channel.
Weather Channel executives are reportedly annoyed, as DirectTV has placed the new WeatherNation right next to TWC on the dial.
TWC’s deal with DirectTV expires at the end of 2013, with new Managing Editor Sam Champion set to debut a new morning show early next year.