The Weather Channel is returning to DirecTV. The channel has been off the satellite service for nearly three months following a contract carriage dispute.
As part of the deal, DirecTV agreed to a small increase in the fees it pays to Weather Channel, the Wall Street Journal reports, though the increase will be less than the penny a subscriber a month Weather Channel sought. WSJ reports the Weather Channel has also agreed to increase the airtime it gives to weather-related news.
When talks broke down in January, DirecTV chief content officer Dan York was critical of the proliferation of reality shows and weather documentaries. “Most consumers don’t want to watch a weather information channel with a forecast of a 40 percent chance of reality TV,” he said.
Weather Channel meteorologist Mike Seidel Tweeted the channel will return tomorrow. DirecTV has more than 20 million subscribers.
More: The Weather Channel agreed to reduce reality programming by half on weekdays and return instant local weather. More in the news release from both companies, after the jump…
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. & ATLANTA– The Weather Channel will return to DIRECTV (channel 362) tomorrow as both companies have settled on a new agreement, the financial terms of which were not disclosed.
“Our viewers deserve better than a public dispute and we pledge to reward their loyalty with exceptional programming and more weather focused news.”
As part of the new pact, The Weather Channel agreed to reduce reality programming by half on weekdays; return instant local weather and allow authenticated DIRECTV customers to watch The Weather Channel’s video programming on multiple devices inside and outside the home.
“Our apologies to DIRECTV and their customers for the disruption of our service and for initiating a public campaign,” said David Kenny, CEO of the Weather Company, parent to The Weather Channel. “Our viewers deserve better than a public dispute and we pledge to reward their loyalty with exceptional programming and more weather focused news.”
“It’s a shame these disputes are played out on a public stage, but I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work together with The Weather Channel in a way that will benefit everyone,” said Dan York, DIRECTV’s chief content officer. “I know this was frustrating for many of our customers, but their patience was ultimately rewarded with a better deal and a better product.”