Time Warner Cable and Viacom Strike New Carriage Deal, Add EPIX Network

The last few years have seen an uncomfortable rise in disputes between cable and satellite systems and content producers. Dish Network subscribers had to miss a big chunk of 'The Walking Dead's third season due to a nasty battle with AMC. Time Warner and Bright House customers lost access to CBS and Showtime programming for almost two months, blocking out most of 'Dexter's final season. No matter which side wins these wars, the real loser is always the consumer.

That's why it's so refereshing to be able to report that Time Warner and media giant Viacom have struck a new carriage agreement. With mere days left in their current contract, the two companies came dangerously close to a blackout situation once again. Thankfully, Time Warner (and thus Bright House Networks) subscribers can rest easy knowing that their access to channels like MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Spike TV, CMT, and Nickelodeon will continue unabated for the next few years.

In addition, the new deal brings premium movie channel EPIX to the TWC and BHN for the first time. Created in 2009, the relatively young network is backed by several major studios, and serves as a hybrid TV, online, and on-demand movie service. The channel also produces original comedy specials and sports programming, much like competitors HBO and Showtime. Some of the films currently available on EPIX include the Matthew McConaughey fronted drama 'Mud,' award-winning Denzel Washington vehicle 'Flight,' and recent blockbusters 'The Hunger Games,' 'The Avengers,' and 'Skyfall.'