Suddenlink Communications has agreed to a long-term multi-platform carriage deal with Discovery Communications for the programmer’s 13 U.S. networks, the cable operator’s latest deal in the wake of its blackout of more than 20 Viacom channels.
As part of the new multi-year, multi-platform agreement, Suddenlink TV customers will have continued access to Discovery’s U.S. networks and VOD content including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub Network (to become Discovery Family Channel on Oct. 13), American Heroes Channel, Discovery Fit & Health (to become Discovery Life Channel on Jan.15), Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, Velocity and Destination America. Suddenlink customers will be able to access authenticated Discovery programming inside and outside the home, in the near future.
“Investing in and providing viewers with compelling, must-have content remains Discovery’s top priority, and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement with Suddenlink to ensure that their customers continue to have access to that content across our unparalleled family of networks for many years to come,” said Discovery president of domestic distribution Eric Phillips in a statement. “Discovery has been committed to helping viewers satisfy their curiosity for nearly 30 years, and this renewed agreement with Suddenlink reflects the continued strength of our viewership and programming.”
The deal comes days after Suddenlink and Viacom could not reach a carriage agreement concerning that programmer’s 24 cable networks. The Viacom channels went dark to Suddenlink customers on Oct. 1.
In the meantime Suddenlink has replaced the Viacom nets with about 20 additional channels, and since the blackout has reached carriage deals with Revolt TV, The Blaze, CBS and others.
“We’re very excited about this agreement with Discovery,” Suddenlink senior vice president and chief programming officer Kathy Payne said in a statement. “Discovery’s channels offer a wide range of interesting and educational content that provides great entertainment for diverse age groups. We’re especially pleased that we’ll be able to soon deliver Discovery’s unique branded content to our customers on a variety of devices.”
