The last-minute dramatics surrounding EchoStar’s [DISH] contract negotiations with Viacom [VIA] Wed included a lawsuit and a very late decision for yet another contract extension. DISH put a lawsuit filed against Viacom in San Fran federal court on hold as negotiations were greenlighted to continue through Jan 14. The suit claims Viacom’s trying to get DISH to shell out too much for MTV and other nets in exchange for the right to carry 18 CBS-owned stations in cities like NY, L.A. and Chicago. Wonder what this means for Turner, which has a multi-month extension with DISH? Just weeks ago Charlie Ergen was complaining that Turner was a tougher situation than Viacom. Viacom is also seeking carriage of Nicktoons and extended deals for TVLand, CMT and Spike.

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Wednesday–January 7

Changes at Fox Sports

Fox Sports President/COO Mark Silverman is stepping down in the coming months and will transition into a consulting position with the company. His successor will be announced “shortly.” A

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