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Time Warner Removes TV Channels From iPad App, Appeases Media Companies

by Amar Toor on April 1, 2011 at 10:10 AM

time warner cable app
Time Warner Cable has pulled a handful of TV channels from its iPad app after receiving complaints from three media companies. The app, released earlier this month, allows users to choose from over 30 channels streamed directly to their iPads. Yesterday, however, Time Warner suddenly removed several of the channels (including MTV and FX), after Viacom, Discovery Communications and the News Corporation argued that the app violated their contracts with the cable company.

The three media companies think Time Warner should pay them more for the rights to stream their channels to iPads and other portable devices. Prior to yesterday's announcement, both the News Corporation and Viacom had already sent cease and desist letters to the cable provider.

In a statement, Time Warner maintained that it had "every right to carry the programming on our iPad app," and agreed to disagree with those who claim otherwise. "[W]e have decided to focus our iPad efforts on those enlightened programmers who understand the benefit and importance of allowing our subscribers - and their viewers - to watch their programming on any screen in their homes," the company said. "In the meantime, we will pursue all of our legal rights against the programmers who don't share our vision."

A company spokesman added that Time Warner would add new channels immediately, in order to replace those that have been yanked.

Tags: Apple, apps, channel, discovery, ipad, news corporation, NewsCorporation, programming, streaming, time warner, TimeWarner, top, tv, viacom

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