Looney Tunes on Verizon TV
Verizon
The deal will make CNN, Cartoon Network, TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies
available through the Baby Bell's fiber-to-the-home
"Our customers will enjoy the quality programming from Turner Broadcasting
that appeals to so many different types of viewers and continues to sustain
top-of-the-charts ratings," Terry Denson, vice president of video
programming and content marketing, said in a statement.
Denson, a former executive at Insight Communications, MTV Networks and ABS,
was hired by Verizon in September to negotiate
deals like this one.
Verizon apparently didn't have a problem negotiating with Time Warner, TBS's
corporate parent, which also owns Time Warner Cable.
Verizon expects its TV-over-fiber initiative, dubbed Fios TV, will
eventually carry hundreds of digital channels, high- definition programming,
video-on-demand and interactive programming guide.
The New York-based carrier is constructing its fiber networks -- which will
also carry voice and high-speed data services -- in half the states where
it offers landline communications.
In May, Verizon and SBC
The measure would have allowed the Baby Bells to petition the public
utilities commission for a statewide video franchise license rather than
negotiate deals with each community, a process that can take between six and
18 months.
Verizon and SBC are now focusing their efforts on federal legislation.
has signed a programming and distribution agreement
with Turner Broadcasting System as it prepares to ratchet up pressure on
its cable and satellite competitors.
suffered a setback when Texas
lawmakers adjourned
without passing a bill designed to accelerate TV- over-fiber rollouts.