Comcast Channel Changes Irk Networks

The country’s largest cable company has joined the race to get skinny.

Comcast has started ripping up agreements with cable networks and moving them out of basic onto digital tiers, The NY Post  is reporting.

Already, Spike, CMT and Pop, the former TV Guide channel, have been moved to digital tiers, the companies told The Post. The changes means fans of the affected networks could have to pay $9.99 a month, or more, to tune in.

It also means the affected networks will have a less broad reach.

Comcast said the moves are aimed at keeping down costs for its customers, but at least one company — Spike- and CMT-owner Viacom — is irked by the move.

“This action is in direct violation of our agreement and will increase costs for customers who will now have to pay more for networks that were previously included in less expensive packages,” Viacom said in a statement.

The media conglomerate, which owns a dozen entertainment brands, including MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, in addition to the networks switched by Comcast, wants customers to know the extra fees go into Comcast’s pocket — not theirs.

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