CBS Re-Ups Verizon Retrans Deal, Takes Subtle Digs at TWC

CBS and Verizon reached a new three-year agreement Thursday allowing for continued retransmission of CBS programming on Verizon's FiOS TV in multiple markets across the country.

CBS took the opportunity to subtly ding Time Warner Cable, with which it is locked in long, contentious negotiations. A news release noted that the deal covers three major markets -- New York, Los Angeles and Dallas -- where Time Warner has blacked out CBS.

"This deal was reached in a short period of time, and CBS has once again achieved fair value for our over-the-air rights," said Ray Hopkins, president of Television Networks Distribution, CBS Corporation. "Verizon is a distribution partner of growing importance to us that provides excellent service to its expanding number of subscribers, and we are glad that this partnership will continue and grow."

Also read: CBS, Time Warner Cable Reach Politically Motivated, Temporary Agreement

"We've reached this agreement in partnership with CBS for our customers, so that they may continue to enjoy CBS content on FiOS," said Terry Denson, vice president of Video Content and Strategy at Verizon. "Verizon continues to address areas of change where necessary in current policies to better reflect the interests of consumers."

CBS and Verizon also have an existing agreement to carry Showtime Networks and Smithsonian.

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