Watch Food Network? Not if you're an AT&T U-Verse Subscriber
November 6, 2010
Consumerist and other sources are reporting that AT&T has chosen to drop Food Network, HGTV, DIY Network, Cooking Channel, and GAC from its U-Verse service. According to Scripps (the owner of these networks) the issue isn't money; it's non-broadcast rights.
I've been a supporter of U-Verse ever since they came out in Houston; I felt that they were a great alternative to Comcast. But now AT&T shows us that keeping customers happy falls way behind the need to strongarm their content providers.
(I can't fault AT&T for wanting to cut a great deal for themselves. But using your customers as pawns is wrong... apparently AT&T has forgotten who pays their bills.)
Greed wins. Customers lose.
I called AT&T, and there is no ETA for restoring Food Network and the other channels. At this point, I suggest that everyone votes with their wallets.
Apparently that's all AT&T understands.
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If you're watching Bryan Caswell on Next Iron Chef, you may wonder how to keep watching. I've e-mailed Food Network to see if they have a solution.
Until then, please don't even consider using this link to a BitTorrent network download site if it is illegal where you are.