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AMC Network Channels Removed From TrioVision Line-Up

Following months of negotiations, TrioTel has made the decision to not move forward with new contract agreements for AMC Networks, which include: AMC (channel 150), WE (channel 148), and BBC America (channel 187).

As our existing contract with AMC was set to expire at the end of 2015, TrioTel, along with 750 other companies incorporated with the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), partnered together to discuss new terms with AMC. The new contract proposed by AMC called for an alarming price increase, along with the carriage of additional undesirable TV channels. In an effort to keep our programming low, TrioTel could not accept the final terms and cost increases. We do our best to offer affordable pricing for our TrioVision subscribers. However, this becomes harder and harder every year as programmers continue to ask for higher rates. Since we did not accept the new AMC contract, we saved our subscribers from seeing an immediate rate increase. Because the new contract had such a large increase in fees and additional must carry rules, our current rates would not have covered the costs of keeping those channels in our lineup. Our decision to discontinue carriage of AMC Networks is a step in keeping programming costs down.

Regardless, this decision was not made lightly. We took in a lot of thought and consideration of our member’s opinions and views. But at the end of the day, this is a business decision with the best interest of our Coop members in mind. If we had moved forward with the new AMC contract, over the next 5 years, it would have cost more than $125,000 for these channels alone.

Programming fees still continue to make up a vast majority of your monthly TV bill. We call this the dark side to cable TV. It is our hope that programming will someday be available as an a la carte option, so you may pick and purchase only the channels you wish to watch.

Still can’t miss shows like The Walking Dead? There are alternative ways to watch. Below is a list of options:

• Stream content at iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, or with XBOX.
• To catch up on past seasons, purchase DVDs at Amazon or try retailers such as Wal-Mart.
• Subscribe to Netflix or Sling TV.

For questions or comments regarding the AMC contract, please call our business office at 425-2238.