Yet another lawsuit—this time between Viacom and Cablevision – was started today. Reuters reports that the alleged culprit, Cablevision, is being accused of “unauthorised streaming of [Viacom's]programming on devices such as Apple Inc’s iPad”. More »
Viacom, following every major network, has added its online content to the Google TV blacklist, blocking users from viewing Comedy Central, MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon shows online (although it appears short clips are still allowed). [GTV Hub via SlashGear]
Netflix has reached an agreement with Epix to include films from Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM Studios as part of its Watch Instantly offerings, starting September 1. The films will be available on Netflix only 90 days after their pay-TV debuts. More »
Epic news: The long fight between Viacom and Google is partially resolved, with the US District Court deciding that YouTube is protected by the safe harbour provision of the DMCA. Which means? More »
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So Viacom said YouTube owed them some money back in 2007. OK. Fine. But Viacom? You owe Jonathan Coulton 37 dollars, at least according to this entertaining, well-reasoned rant. More »
The WSJ already said most of this stuff yesterday, but the Financial Times has a few more tidbits on the situation that seems interesting – namely, Apple’s relationship with network giants, and a plan to launch the fabled tablet soon. More »
Michael Fricklas is Viacom’s general counsel, the company’s top lawyer. I can’t tell if he actually felt bad when he said the above at a recent meeting with Yale Law students. I kind of feel an evil, dark smile inside. More »
Tea leaf-reading analysts are speculating this afternoon that Comcast is currently hoarding cash as part of an effort to revisit its 2003 spending spree days. You remember 2003, right? That was the year Comcast made a brash $US54 billion bid for Disney. More »
