The battle between Time Warner Cable and the Fox television network is coming down to the wire, but the Syracuse Fox affiliate is not part of the fight.
Unless Time Warner and Fox reach an agreement by midnight Thursday, a number of Fox channels could be taken off cable access. Fox is demanding more money for the programs it provides to Time Warner. Fox owner, News Corp. is demanding $1 dollar per subscriber every month.
As negotiations continue, News Corp. has so far refused to go along with an extension of the midnight deadline. Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey said it would "simply extend the period of time that Time Warner profits from our marquee programming without fairly compensating Fox for it."
Time Warner spokesperson, Jim Gordon issued a statement. "We continue to negotiate in good faith but Fox's current demands are unreasonable and excessive, especially in this economic climate."
Because Syracuse Fox broadcast affiliate WSYT has a separate agreement with Time Warner, it is in no danger of being taken off the cable operation according to Gordon.
Gordon says the 6 Fox channels locally that could be potentially impacted are: FX, Fuel, Fox Sports World Espanol, Fox Reality Channel, Speed Channel and Fox Soccer. Gordon says if the programs are removed, Time Warner is "prepared to offer alternative programming."
Time Warner is urging customers to visit www.rolloverorgettough.com for updates on the negotiatons. People can also weigh in with their opinions over who's right or wrong in the dispute.
