Hollywoodreporter.com

Dish Network drops Viacom channels: "EchoStar Communications dropped all Viacom-owned channels, including CBS O&Os in 16 major markets, from its Dish Network satellite service as of 12:01 a.m. today, leaving its 9 million subscribers without access to MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, Comedy Central and other widely distributed channels. One minute after midnight, Viacom-owned channels and CBS O&Os on the Dish Network service were replaced by a text title card (accompanied by a melodic solo acoustic guitar soundtrack) informing subscribers that the channels are dark because 'Viacom has demanded rate increases which are unreasonable and would contribute to a higher monthly bill for you.' The slate says EchoStar hopes to resolve the dispute quickly and directs subscribers to the Dish Network Web site for more information. The move came after hours of last-minute negotiations between EchoStar and Viacom aimed at striking a new carriage agreement to avoid a blackout of popular channels. But the two sides have turned bitter adversaries in recent weeks, battling in court EchoStar's claims that Viacom is violating anti-trust laws by bundling its channel services and seeking what EchoStar has termed 'excessive' rate hikes in a new deal."