Public Knowledge Happy That Viacom Has Restored Online Access to Its Programming

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The following statement can be attributed to John Bergmayer, Senior Staff Attorney at Public Knowledge:

"Viacom did the right thing by reinstating full online access to its programming. As AMC demonstrated when it made 'Breaking Bad' available to DISH customers during its own carriage dispute, the best way to win customers over is to treat them with respect, and not try to use them for leverage in contract negotiations.

"The biggest fans of shows tend to seek them out online, and it makes no sense for networks to punish them. Access to online programming is in the interests of viewers and networks alike.

"DirecTV and Viacom should settle their differences quickly so that DirecTV viewers who want to watch popular channels like Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and BET can do so again."