I just did a promo that will air before Tuesday night's episode. It's aim is to mobilize fans against DirecTV. But they refused to let me speak honestly, I had to follow an FX legal script that felt like complete bullshit. I'm sure it will serve it's purpose, but I feel compelled to let SOA fans know what I WANTED to say.
First off, I am well aware that I am working for the right-handed smoking man. Truth is, every large entertainment company is an extension of some corporate behemoth. FX is no exception. The thing that keeps me there is that they care as much about the creative process as they do their bottom line. That's not only rare, it's pretty much nonexistent everywhere else in Hollywood. That bubble is floated by John Landgraf. If it weren't for that guy, I'd be selling star maps and handjobs in front of the Motherlode. I also have no delusions that Fox has a big horse in this DTV race. Like all big corporate deals, the Goliaths are fighting for bigger chunks of the pie and in the process, the Davids who feed off of the crumbs, are getting screwed. But if you look at the facts, you'll see that DirecTV is applying orange rules to an ever apple-ing world and using their large customer base as leverage. Basically, fucking over the customers that already pay a lot of money for their service.
Here is the script they wouldn't let me use --
SOA (:45)
HEY, I’M KURT SUTTER, CREATOR OF SONS OF ANARCHY.
STARTING NOVEMBER 1ST, DIRECTV IS PULLING FX FROM YOUR BOX.
THAT MEANS YOU'LL MISS THE LAST FIVE EPISODES OF SONS THIS SEASON. PERHAPS FIVE OF THE MOST CRITICAL EPISODES OF THE SERIES.
I KNOW FOX HAS A HORSE IN THIS RACE, BUT THEY'RE TRYING TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH. DIRECTV IS SHUTTING DOWN ALL CONVERSATION AND USING THEIR CUSTOMERS AS LEVERAGE. IN THE PROCESS, YOU'RE GETTING FUCKED OVER. THEY'RE RUNNING ADS WITH THEIR CORPORATE SHILL TELLING YOU HOW MUCH "THEY CARE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS"; THAT DUDE'S GOT ONE SINCERE HAND ON HIS HEART WHILE THE OTHER GREASES YOUR UNSUSPECTING BACKSIDE. BECAUSE THEY'RE ABOUT TO FLIP YOU OVER AND FUCK YOU UP THE ASS TILL YOU BLEED.
STARTING NOVEMBER 1ST, DIRECTV IS PULLING FX FROM YOUR BOX.
THAT MEANS YOU'LL MISS THE LAST FIVE EPISODES OF SONS THIS SEASON. PERHAPS FIVE OF THE MOST CRITICAL EPISODES OF THE SERIES.
I KNOW FOX HAS A HORSE IN THIS RACE, BUT THEY'RE TRYING TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH. DIRECTV IS SHUTTING DOWN ALL CONVERSATION AND USING THEIR CUSTOMERS AS LEVERAGE. IN THE PROCESS, YOU'RE GETTING FUCKED OVER. THEY'RE RUNNING ADS WITH THEIR CORPORATE SHILL TELLING YOU HOW MUCH "THEY CARE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS"; THAT DUDE'S GOT ONE SINCERE HAND ON HIS HEART WHILE THE OTHER GREASES YOUR UNSUSPECTING BACKSIDE. BECAUSE THEY'RE ABOUT TO FLIP YOU OVER AND FUCK YOU UP THE ASS TILL YOU BLEED.
GO TO KEEPMYNETS.COM OR call 866-KEEPMYNETS TO GET THE REAL STORY.
DO IT NOW. LET 'EM KNOW THEY CAN'T FUCK WITH YOUR SONS OF ANARCHY.
DO IT NOW. LET 'EM KNOW THEY CAN'T FUCK WITH YOUR SONS OF ANARCHY.
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT, BITCHES.
SOA (:15)
SOA (:15)
SOA FANS, LISTEN UP…
GO TO KEEPMYNETS.COM OR call 866-KEEPMYNETS TO GET THE REAL STORY.
DO IT NOW. LET 'EM KNOW THEY CAN'T FUCK WITH YOUR SONS OF ANARCHY.
DO IT NOW. LET 'EM KNOW THEY CAN'T FUCK WITH YOUR SONS OF ANARCHY.
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT, BITCHES.
Posts
73 comments:
so are you going to make good on what you said about leaking the last five episodes yourself on this blog if DTV does pull fx?
These are awesome. Would love to see more promos tell it how it is :)
Greedy fucking bastards. They are not counting that the SOA fandom has big numbers and that people are action-driven.
Personally, I hope fans just cancel their subscription and go with another carrier.
And there are American still bitchiing about OccupyWallStreet? they really need to get a grip.
Thanks for putting yourself out there when no one else has the cojones to do it.
Same thing happened last year with Dish Network, and we missed 3-4 episodes. Glad i didn't switch to DTV at then cause it'd be shit out of luck time again for me. I just wish there was this much grass roots efforts then with Dish as there is with DTV. All in all the fans get screwed out of episodes, then pay more later.
Hmmm, seems like your script got VERY edited.
Thank you for the REAL story. Us loyal SOA fans don't take sugar coating too well, especially when it means messing with our favourite show.
Unfortunately a lot of DirecTV subscribers are people who cannot cancel their service (ex: we cannot because our building only gives us this one option included in the rent and we pay for any extras like HD or DVR). So all we are left to do is sign petitions and hope that rich people fighting each other can figure out how to stay rich in the next 6 days.
That being said, Fox fought with Dish last year (my parents cancelled their Dish as a result) and others in the past so this is nothing new. It's impossible for regular people to know who is really right in this case - and most likely it's noone.
But the one thing we can count on is that somehow we'll get screwed: either with no F/X (and other stations) or with a higher bill (I have no doubt DirecTV will pass on any perceived cost to customers).
I really don't care how it gets resolved or who gets richer (whether it's DirecTV or Murdoch and Fox), I just care that someone gets this figured out by Nov. 1st.
Damn kurt. You never cease to amaze me with your blogs :D
And I am doing my part to let others know that DTV is complete shit and that they need to switch. Hell, ive been on twitter, facebook, wherever just telling people about the shit that is going down with the whole DTV and FX thing. And youre right about the channel, the production company etc. FX cares about shit included in the creative process and really without watching FX, there is no point of even watching tv at all. SOA is the main reason why I got into script writing: because of how damn good the show is and how it sets up a lot of shit for our boys of SAMCRO. But anyway, I love reading your blogs and hopefully people will realize that DTV is nothing but bullshit.
Adam
If this whole SOA thing doesn't pan out I think you have a lucrative career in on-air promotions. Let me know and I'll keep you off the Motherload circuit.
Stealing from my friend @tedipe1
#occupyDirectTV - The movement takes momentum!
The biggest problem with this is, all of the carriers can and at some point probably will do this. Dish last year, DirecTV this year, probably Comcast next year (or some other carrier). It never ends. They're all fucking cunts using the shows and customers as betting chips.
Thanks for posting this. I've been looking for some kind of comment or something about what's happening to share on my site. A lot of SoA fans still don't know what's going on.
For those of us north of the border we're even more ostracised as we don't get FX legally. Hopefully the other Canadian fans will realise that even though this isn't happening in our backyard, it still effects the show, and therefor it definitely effects us. I hope SoA keeps on rocking. Stay strong, be weary, and win.
Adrian and Ashley from Canada
Bastards!! Money hungry bastards! Cunts!!
Wow.. that sucks big balls! I'm sooo glad I don't have DTV, and I feel really bad for SOA fans that do. Especially the ones that are locked into fkn contracts! :(
We went through this with Dish last season, glad we didn't switch. This country and it's corporations need serious financial advising. The focus is on obtaining the largest amount of profit while exerting the least amount of effort. This makes customer service a joke, where manipulation and deceit are chosen over appreciation and honesty.
Take care of your customers and they'll take care of you. Making love receives reciprocation, raping meets resistance. Running a business is complicated, but the underlying concepts are quite simple...assholes.
Words cannot describe how much I truly appreciate & enjoyed your uncensored honesty!!!
This might be a great time to switch to a local cable provider. I've had both DirecTV and regular cable. While they all basically hold our TV hostage for way to much money I think regular cable is the lesser of two evils. I've never lost a channel or experienced the threat of losing one with regular cable. And I won't be losing SOA at all.
This is such bullshit. Honestly, I pay over 100 a month for direct tv and watch a bunch of shows on FX. Seriously ruining my week... But what can you do? Direct tv knows customers will be pissed but how many are willing to Pay the million dollar cancellation fee? Fucked if you do and fucked if you don't.
Yeah, I'm gonna have to disagree with you here. I don't need to my bill to go up because Fox wants more money. There are two sides to every story and acting as if Fox and News Corp are acting solely in interest of the viewer and the creator is, quite honestly, crap.
Damn man this is some bullshit.
What station will the show be on now?
Can you work on Netflix keeping up with the correct season SOA is on?
Or maybe set it up so a website will stream the shows?
tweet the answers or please answer here!
@mack19318
What service provider will now carry FX? Get netflix to start keeping up with the seasons and episodes of SOA
I love your show i hope it will continue for many years!
Right on Kurt!
It's about time for serious Anarchy to begin... SOA is only about a TV Show, it's about a real culture you brought to us.
Everybody should know we don't mess with the Sons Of Anarchy!
Phil
SOA France ;)
You got my FULL support!!! I told off yesterday twice. Told em that I will gladly pay $375 to cancel my contract. Of coarse my hubby had a fit cuz he would lose his Sunday ticket but I'm not going without my SOA!!!!!! I left an email today & about to again!!! I am only 1 person but they will know this lil bitch is here & wont be satisfied until the give me my FX & SOA!!!! I WONT leave their bitch asses alone. I will call customer service 100 times if that's what it will take. I'm behind you 110% & whatever I can do I most certainly will. I'm a secretary so letters are my thing not quiet as good as you Almighty Kurt...but ya know we all can't be geniuses. Give your cast & crew my best!!!
always an SOA bitch
Helen Banks
Yeah, your version is MUCH better than anything the TV will ever show.
This kind of shit pisses me off to no end. Every few years, Mediacom (our local cable provider) does the SAME thing with local Fox stations. Get with the program, costs go up. Pass that $2/customer per year on down to us, we'll GLADLY pay it as opposed to losing the channels.
**correction to my post**
I shit canned Dish Network not DirecTV, although now I see theyre all the same douchebaggary..
carry on
Bonnie
OMG Kurt
I didn't know where else to go to share this LAUGH with ya!
Some of us fans have a surprise for you in trying to trend SOA tomorrow. We're trying a little something to see if works -been looking at the Twitter algorithm. So I'm coordinating and I'm sorry these fans keeping on tagging you and saying you'll release the word... That's the surprise we have. And Direct TV tweets back at us saying they are fans too? - LOL
Can you say PR nightmare?
And in all honestly, I was completing tweeting about the trending. Well, dude, I guess they know you have the numbers.
(BTW, with the trending it's just not me, a lot of the other fan sites/twitter sites will be helping. We're going to DO this!!). Can you have SAMCRO_BLOGGER give us a hand (just in retweeting)? We're shooting to release the magic word tomorrow at 4PM CST.
Just another reason I killed DirectTV this week after ten years and switched to cable. They told me "Come back when you want superior service." Um, less service for more money? No thanks!
As someone above said, this happened with Dish last year, DTV this year, probably Comcast next year. Doesn't anyone see what the common denominator is here? FOX!
The price of any sort of cable or dish service is completely insane. I don't care if you have 30 channels or 300 channels...you can only watch 1 at a time!!
I get 6 channels...no paid service here. I get what's free, and for the the other shows I can't live without... we'll I purchase them online through Amazon or Itunes.
I know shows need the weekly viewership to keep their ratings up and keep the show on the air, but I have a season pass for SOA on iTunes and get the episode the day after they air...I know it sucks to loose your viewers since that's how they rate the shows...but when I can pay $40 a season for my show, instead of 80+ a month...well I got to put the money in my pocket instead of the "big guy".
Until the cable/dish companies come up with a plan to let me pick and choose the exact channels I want, and pay of those channels only, I stick with my Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes. All streamed directly to my TV, it's the TV i want to see, when I want to see it, at one quarter the price the cable company wants me to pay.
I would never be able to live without FX. I love too many shows on that channel. I am glad that my provider/employer is DISH Network because they have a long term agreement with FOX. I won’t have to worry about missing any of my shows, and hopefully DirecTV will come to some kind of agreement with them so they don’t lose those channels.
I hear you guys, takedowns are terrible. It doesn’t sound like DirecTV is planning to negotiate though and they’re just going to stop carrying the channels. I wonder how many customers they will loose over this in the end? I won’t be missing SOA because I have my FX securely in place for a long time with my DISH Network employee account. If I were you I would switch to a carrier that has a long term agreement like DISH.
I don't think I can get rid of my DirecTV right now. One reason it that I just signed a new 2 year contract. DirecTV has done more good than bad for me. I doubt that I could get new service set up by next week anyway. If it comes down to it, I'll watch SOA on Amazon or iTunes.
This corpored stupet fuck forgot SOA have a big fan base. They going to regret this one. Keep telling like it is and don't hold bag Mr. Sutter. By the way love Sons of Anarchy one of the best show I have seem in a long time. From the writing to the acting is perfection. Thank you. I am glad I don't have Direct TV.
This just sucks. I know a lot of people say they will cancel their service and some will even follow through. I would like to do the same but the truth of the matter is that even if DirectTV drops FX, I'm not going to cancel my service at this time. The problem is that I have already paid for additional add-on's such as the NHL Center Ice package and if we cancel, that money is flushed down the toilet. I also don't have the financial freedom to just toss a couple hundred bucks out the window right now. As much as it frustrates me to say it, if DirectTV drops FX, I will bitch and moan for a while, then assume the position and the let DirectTV have their way with me. I have made it a point to call DirectTV every day for the last week and-a-half to complain and voice my opinion but sadly that will have little impact. I want to see the two sides find a solution that doesn't screw over the fans/subscribers but I am losing hope by the day.
Since Fox network pulled this bullshit last year with Dish, isn't it safe to say that this is more Fox's doing than DirecTV's? I'm not saying Dish and Direct are completely innocent, but it would seem that Fox is the one taking advantage of customers. They know what we are watching, what they can get away with! Having already seen what Dish went through last year, Direct was quite aware of what was to come and therefore should have prepared to protect their customers a bit better. In the end they will sign a new deal, as dish did, but this will more than likely take place after we miss out on the final episodes. Complete bullshit! But to hold direct completely responsible when fox is the one doing this one by one to all companies is placing blame on the wrong doorstep. They're all culpable! But then again I'm not in the business, what the fuck do I know!
Not a happy camper in Noho
Dev
Not sure if you got my original response, the computer didn't indicated it. Frackin' technology! But, if not for technology, we wouldn't have your tweets and blog, eh?
Anyhow, my original thoughts on this was that it is probably best, for now, to let the corporate legal suits have their fun, and protect your ass. While I'm in favor of y'all speakin' your mind, this is the better outlet for it, NOT the airwaves. Shit, the hacker wannabes are already gonna have a field day with your tweets and blog on this issue, why give them more fodder for their shitty little minds.
In case y'all weren't aware, darlin', the same type of website you've RT'd on Twitter is sisilar to the Dishnet thing last year/season. It's basically a place where customers can post their opinions, and the owner of said website can show TIIC that people are pissed.
No shit, Sherlock.
Allow me to share my experience with this situation with Dish last year, as I drank the Koolaid, all purple poison and pretty, and called the toll free number scrawling across 'Caregiven'. That was Dish's telephone number to tell their side of the story. I refer to it as 'Baloney, Salami, Bull Shit' (BSBS).
After hearing their carefully crafted corporate spew, they gave me ANOTHER telephone number to call, which I did. To tell FX what I thought. Got more BSBS and ANOTHER telephone number to call, along with a website. The website was one upon which I could post a comment to Dish about losin' FX and other stations.
By that time, the pretty purple poison Kool Aid (don't y'all just love the Jim Jones nod?) wore off, and I got pissed at bein' the person in the middle in this game of keep away.
So I took action. After five years plus with Dishnet, I called the whankers at AT&T about Uverse and the local cable outlet. When AT&T failed to get back with me as a potential customer (and THAT after leavin' a frackin' doorhanger on my front door beggin' for my business), I went to cable. Made the switch before the next episode of SOA that season.
Then I called Dish and told 'em I was canceling and they needed to send me POSTAGE PAID return boxes for their equipment. They were shocked and appalled. "Why did you leave?"
I told 'em.
"We're negotiating!" They cried.
"BSBS!" I responded. "You're lyin' to the customers, puttin' us in the middle of your game with the networks. I decided I didn't wanna play the game by your rules."
"We'll give you free service for four months if you stay!" they offered.
"I don't care if you give me free service for a year. You aren't giving me what I want in service, you've used me and my good well, and I'm walkin' away. Send me the Postage paid boxes I've asked for and send 'em now!"
Well, it's a little cleaned up, but you get the idea. Sure enough, I heard through our cousin who didn't switch that he lost FX at midnight MT or 3AM ET.
The bottom line, my dear, is that no matter what you say (and y'all DO realize you're gettin' screwed up the ass without benefit of vaseline too by TIIC?) to those fucktards, the only action they will understand is the action that affects their bottom line.
So, if you can afford to break the contract (if y'all haven't fulfilled yours), switch. There ARE alternatives out there. Do your homework, and ask the potential service provider how long it will be before they have to negotiate a new deal with FX.
Only by switching out before Nov 1 will DTV understand that You Mean Business.
End of line.
Don't get me wrong, I am not a fan of DirecTV (even though I have it) but I don't think FOX is completely innocent in this either. They did the same thing to Dish Network and Cablevision last year, and FOX channels were blacked out for at least a week here on Cablevision. The NY Giants play on FOX, so I know that the local fans were really pissed.
We have Fios in addition to DirecTV because I am still under contract with DTV from when I lived in Florida and got it for Sunday Ticket, so I am lucky in that regard. I feel sorry for the people that have to either switch or wait it out.
Honestly I really don't feel sorry for either side in this situation. I think that both are greedy, and the customers and fans are the only real ones paying the price, but what else is new...
iTunes.
As much as I would love to shout, fuck you dtv..unfortunately I am locked into a contract I can't affors to cancel...I rent a room in a house where the cable got cut off because the owner didn't pay, so I got Dtv JUST FOR FUCKING SoA!!!!! I have watched since episode one, every tuesday ..never missing an episode!!!! To miss the last 5 episodes of the best season yet is going to royally piss me off. I am so fucking sick of working like a dog to pay bills just to have all these corporate fucks bitch and moan that they aren't getting paid enough, you know what? FUCK YOU!!!! Paying customers deserve way better than this bullshit. Its also interesting to note, I can't get onto the keepmynets website!
I'm cancelling DirecTV, everyone should! I'll save probably around a $100 a month anyway switching to digital, Directv is overpriced anyway. All the customers should really show them who has the power. Look what is happening to Netflix since they raised their prices, stock has fallen like 30% already, boy do they wish they didn't fuck that up. And perfect timing for blockbuster as they get ready to launch with all their blu-rays and video games. Fuck Directv is right!
Sincerely,
Ryan Shockey
I WILL BE SCREAMING FOR SUPPORT TO EVERY FACEBOOK FRIEND, BLOG, FORUM, & TWITTER FOLLOWER TO CANCEL DirecTV FOR TAKING MY SONS OF ANARCHY AWAY...AND I WILL CANCEL MY SERVICE ON NOV 1ST...THEY THINK NETFLIX LOST CUSTOMERS...THAT WAS NOTHIN...
CINDY WILSON
"...I find it disturbing that, from Fox Cable Network Services, LLC's pompous standpoint, they find it so simple as to say "Just get another provider". In essence, "Disregard, even forfeit, the service and other channels that you like from your current provider and just pick up another, in some cases, substandard provider, and absorb the costs, and inconveniences just to see our programming. Seems to me Fox Cable Network Services, LLC's self flattery, greed, and lack of concern for the best interest of the viewers is the real problem here. I very much enjoy FOX channels, but I'd do without them before I'd go back to the substandard service provided in my area from Dish or TimeWarner, just because FOX has their viewers "best interest" to use for their self-serving financial leverage".
Totally Screwed...without pleasure in NOHO
Dev
@KeepMyNets DIRECT TV IT'S B.S. HOW THEY TAKE AWAY OUR FAV. SHOWS AND CHANNELS IT'S MESS UP S.O.A IS MY ALL TIME FAV. SHOW KEEP IT ON!!!!!!!
WE ARE NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS SHIT !!
Dish pulled this same ploy last year when Fox told them it was time to pony up more. It backfired. Their subscribership plummeted. I, and many like me called the very first minute SOA was off the air to cancel Dish. I did it that night. I was on hold forever because they were flooded with calls canceling. I switched to DTV; 1) Because I can't get cable where I lived at the time (reason I was with Dish to begin with). 2) Because DTV was exploiting what Dish did and promising stability. I now live in an area where I can get cable. :) I called DTV 2 days ago and told them the if if miss a single minute of SOA I am gone. Don't give a shit about the contract they are breaching. Yeah, Fox is a bunch of greedy cocksuckers too, but they are not the ones pulling my SOA off the air. FX wants more money and they have a product I am willing to pay more to have. I just want the opportunity to do it. Shit, DTV costs me WAY more than Dish did, but I am willing to pay for my Sons. Looks like I may be going back to the cable company come November 1. It will cost even more than DTV is costing me now. FX is demanding more $ because they can. Maybe DTV should drop all the crap channels no one watches if they want to keep FX but not charge their customers more. FUCK DIRECTV. I'M NOT "BUYING" THEIR BULLSHIT ANYMORE. Both figuratively and literally.
-Chub Daddy
Just read lowecat's response. lol. I remember Dish offering me free service when I left last year. I had a similar response: "Are you not listening to why I am leaving? Did you not hear me say I am willing to pay MORE for Sons? I don't WANT free service, I want my SOA back! Cancel my account please."
Kurt Sutter I love you and SOA deeply, Every Tuesday my schedule runs around your show ... I put my kids to bed early, I turn off my phones, unplug the Internet and lock my doors .. It is just me and SOA ... However I refuse to support a company that insist on playing the price gauging game year after year with different cable and satellite companies. Last year it was Time Warner and Dish Network who were bullied by News Corp (owners of FX). Now it is Directv's turn to be bullied and I am shocked that tonight you would publicly condone/endorse News Corps behavior. I still love you Kurt Sutter, but a rich man supporting a richer and greedy company who signs his paychecks truly turns my working class stomach.
I think you are on the wrong side. FX needs to make money on ad sales, not through extortion of customers. If Newscorp wants to price itself out of the basic channel line-up, thats their choise. But, I will not be held hostage by a greedy tv network, that has to rob subscibers to stay afloat. If they get their way with Directv now, which cable system is next? How many millions of viewers will you show lose, because Newscorp is wants to reach directly into the wallets of millions of customers, instead of trying to provide better service, better shows get more ad revenue, which should be their most important revenue stream.
And in your own words, how long will it be before you get FUCKED OVER by FX?
Well last year with DirecTV it was the comcast run channels.. G4TV, the sports one and some others.. I didn't get a reduction in my premium for my lost channels. They no longer offer a product that competes with Comcast or Dish in my area as far as I am concerned. I watch FX mostly, and the wife watches Nat Geo and the rest. Fuck 'em.. cancelling..
Hey Kurt, Firstly congrats on this season, i am so wrapped up in it i think i will be quite depressed if actually no further episodes show up..i am so upset that Piney is gone, not to mention how flipped out ive been over juice, stopping now will rip my heart out and throw it in the trash like some used tool.
Man i cant believe this shit, nor the crap you must deal wif. Damn i hope you sort something out for the fans on and for behalf of the people like you and cast/crew who dont deserve this shite either.
Everyone needs to dump these networks BIG TIME.
Aigh currumba man :(
Hi Kurt
I feel DirectTv are in for a huge shock when there customer service desk or email system crashes after been contacted by the Global Sons of Anarchy Community . I feel for my SOA friends for during the worst recession in last 50 years the last thing you need is to be told after spending your hard earned cash on a service that it will no longer provide you with the service you signed up for !! . I hope after your promo is aired Fox and DirectTv can work this issue out and make a lot of SOA fans very happy
Daniel
Directv required me to agree to a two year contract for their programming services. They require a customer to pay an early termination fee if services are dropped prior to the two year period. Doesn't the breach of contract work both ways? If I signed an agreement that was based on a programming package that included all Fox Network Group channels, why isn't Directv considered in breach of the contract? The primary channel that we watch on Directv is FX. If FX is dropped, we have no reason to keep Directv. Directv should allow customers two opt out and not pay an early termination fee in this case. I would like to understand the legal implications of Directv dropping these channels based upon an agreement with their customers on a programming package.
Thanks,
Bill W.
So Fox isn't raising the rates for DirecTV by a ridiculous amount?? It seems like Fox has DirecTV over a barrel. Either pay our extortion or lose some of your customer base. Real classy, Fox.
I would cancel my DTV service in a SECOND if I wasn't positive they'd pull some huge cancellation fees on me. My neighbor tried to cancel his service one month short of his contract and before anything was even finalized, DTV charged $400+ to his credit card that they had on file!! Super shady.
I'm counting down the seconds until I can close my account. Ugh.
I hope I am not being ignorant or misinformed here Kurt. Is it possible to shop other channels to take on SOA so that the fans can continue to enjoy the show and you can continue to write it? How about Spike TV, AMC, hell why not Showtime or HBO? I enjoy the show so much Kurt, Katey is phenomenal, and my husband and I won't hesitate to switch carriers just so we don't miss any episodes. Whatever it takes. Please keep us posted.
Susan Morris, Huntington Beach, CA
The show's rad, man, keep up the good work. I'm pretty pissed about this, because we just signed up for DirecTV because we got tired of buying SoA on iTunes, among other reasons. But if they screw this up, they can kiss my money goodbye, because it means I'll lose SoA, not to mention Fox Soccer and a couple of other channels I got the subscription for. I hope it works out.
Since you work for another "corporate behemoth," I can't take your complaints too seriously. FOX has had problems with most providers, so to place the blame primarily on Directv is self-serving and lacks any credibility. If I called Directv, they would blame FOX and vice versa. In essence, you are paid to support FOX so I wouldn't take any bows over the content of your message.
Here's my issue with this. Newscorp (FX) is the one doing this. They did it last year to Dish, now they're doing it to Directv. They are first of all forcing all their carriers to carry additional channels in order to get FX, then when they make their "small" price increase it raises the cost all channels, but since no one cares about fuel or fix soccer, Directv's cost goes up something like their 40% increase relative to the once channel they do want, FX. Now should Directv turn off the channel rather than agree to let negotiations drag on, I would hope not, but then in negotiations, sometimes if you give in on carrying something longer then you give up an edge. I don't know, I'm not party to the situation.
I would like to point out one gross inconsistency in your and FX's position (and by FX I mean Newscorp). They are raising their carry fees as if FX were a premium network, but in reality it is a cable network, meaning its revenue should be generated by the advertisements it sells. Fees to carry the network really should be based on cost to deliver the content, not value of the content, since that generates the ad revenue (and they may share this with Directv, I don't know, if I were them I'd negotiate for a cut of this). So, in my opinion, you guys are double dipping, making money on ads AND trying to make us subscribers pay you (since the costs eventually end up on my bill) disproportionately vs other cable networks.
Now I would be more than happy to pay a fair price for just the FX shows, as long as I didn't also have to pay for all the other crap in this package. Ala-cart. If that were offered, I'd have 8 Directv channels, FX one of them. But they don't and never will, because you are the one being exploited to sell their crap channels, you and I are both pawns, only I'm being objective, I hate Directv for taking away my FX and I hate FX for trying to extort more money from me (and double dipping). You only hate Directv because in their negotiations your product is affected, and that's a pity because in my opinion SOA is the best show on TV right now. I hope Directv and FX sort this out, but I am sick of paying more and more for my bills when all I want is access to the shows I like.
Exactly, Direct TV will cave at the last second and then next year my bill will be higher, but FOX will also demand more money from Time Warner so that service will be more. These stage fights are utterly ridiculous because in the end it is the guy paying the bill who pays the price.
Mr. Sutter,
Thank you for your great talent - SOA is one of the best series out there - in my opinion the Best. I would also, like to Thank You for telling your viewers what was happening. I paused the show and called Directv - I received alot of prewritten information, that meant nothing. Then I started calling Dish after 2 hours on hold. I spoke to a rep in the call center. She ask if I was a customer or wanted new service. When I told her new - she asked if it was over FX and SOA. They received alot of calls last night from people like me that wanted to see next week's episode. This morning to spoke to one of the so called heads of Directv, started with the same speech. I asked him if he knew the ratings and reviews on SOA, and how many customers they lost last night over this game that both Fox and Dirtectv are playing. He went on checked the internet - saw your ratings and then checked on the lost of customers. I was able to convience him that the lost of customers could cost them alot more than negotations.
Thank you for your show and standing up.
Deborah Arnold
I am one of the unfortunate that has NO OTHER OPTION for pay TV besides DirecTV. We live on a Dairy Farm in a farm community and FiOS, Comcast nor other lesser known companies provide service to my area. I spent today on the phone trying to find another carrier, to no avail. FiOS told me they aren't in our area because my Township hadn't agreed to them being here. I immediately called the Township and was given names and e-mail addresses of all the Management and immediately e-mailed them all, explaining that to be stuck with no options is just plain WRONG when it's something I pay for and now they are messing with SOA and requested that they vote on allowing at least one other company, if not more to have the clearance to lay lines. I then called DirecTV and was on hold to get someone live for 25 minutes-obviously I'm not the only one pissed off about this-and then almost another hour on hold because I refused to hang up without speaking with a manager. I asked the manager how they in good conscience could take away our Fox channels while in negotiations when Fox is willing to keep providing their channel line up during negotiations. The Manager told me that DirecTV plans on keeping the Fox line up on the air, uninterrupted until they do reach an agreement or get to the point where they and Fox are at an impasse. I told the Management that their corporate people SUCK since there is NO public statement by DirecTV stating that they will keep broadcasting the Fox line up during this time as long as Fox keeps it available to the consumer, namely Me and many others. I asked him to tell me the truth, not to just tell me what he perceived me wanting to hear to get me off the phone and he said that he could tell me 100% that DirecTV will NOT pull the plug on any Fox channels during negotiations. I told him that if I turn to Fox next Tuesday at 10:00 and SOA isn't there because no channel is there that I will present myself to a corporate office first thing Wednesday morning. We'll see but here's hoping he wasn't full of it and that I get to see the rest of the season, especially after last night. Every episode has gotten better and better, this season is on fire and left me on the edge of my seat and waiting a week for the next episode is too long, forget until contract negotiations are over. Keep up the great work w/ my favorite show with the best cast around and keep us posted on everything regarding DirecTV and Fox. I so wish I had other cable providers in my area available to me; I'd cancel service regardless of how long I had on my contract and switch!
You address your audience as "bitches" and then we're warned to watch OUR language?
I had four different cable companies over three decades before switching to DirecTV and there's no comparison. They offer more bang for the buck, plus offer original programming plus save shows like "Friday Night Lights" and "Damages" when networks cancel them.
When the excellent FX show "Terriers" was cancelled, loyal viewers attempted to get DirecTV to save the show. Why was that? Because they are the best out there.
While I will miss "SOA" and the superb "American Horror Story", I support DTV in fighting Fox's attempt to bump their price by 40%. That's ridiculous. Most viewers would agree.
I think Kurt should look down the road because DTV has shown itself to be far more creative community-friendly than Fox has over the years.
See, and I could say my piece without calling anyone a bitch! Whodda thunk it?
Lance Lawson
Scottsdale, AZ
So...it comes down to money. Not just for FOX...but YOU and your CAST!
I love your show but can do without I guess...NETFLIX baby!
I love my NFL ticket more perhaps.
I guess if you are dropped from DirectTv someone on Showtime will create a show like yours thats probably better.
As a fan of FX and its shows I am personally turned off by the actions of Kurt. I love Sons but at this point taking this action has impacted my view and could change the way I view this show from now on. To say that a 40% increase is acceptable for Directv to pay News Corp makes me want to sick to my stomach. Directv already pays News Corp nearly a Billion dollars per year to carry its programing. Thats right I said a BILLION dollars a year!! So think about this, a 40% increase would mean 1.4 Billion in one year. Thats like saying hey you know how you pay $100 a month for your TV service at your house? Well know we want you to pay $140 per month...its that okay with you. How many would honestly say thats fine, go for it?????
Sick how some people just cant do simple math and see it is out of line and how unreal that amount of an increase it is. Look at Dish Network last year and every other provider who has gone head to head to News Corp.
The funny thing is KURT was all about complainging about Dish Network last year for the same issue and yet now he seems to be in bed with them. Corp greed seems to be his best friend too!!
Enjoy your twisted flip flipping life KURT, we all know its all about the all mighty dollar for you too bud.
I for one will NEVER watch your program again. I don't appreciate your vocabulary. Very childish, but I suppose it make you feel tough. Your Mama should have washed your mouth out with soap long, long ago. I'm sure your language makes her proud.
DirecTV, the same morons who won't give their paying customers a discount on HD service, only new customers. The loss of support for the TiVO boxes also disappointed me massively.
I'm not surprised that they're pulling this just weeks after I switched over to DISH Network's HD subscription. What happened to DirecTV? They used to be a very good company.
Damn, where were you last year when Dish Network fucked me in the ass and I had to wait until it came out on DVD a few months back just to see the last several episodes? I fucking hate these corporate cockwads.
Well I got to be honest in saying that Fox (news-corp) has done this same thing with every carrier available in my area and we came within a day or 2 of not even being able to watch the Superbowl one year on our local cable company Time Warner so I don't understand why they think they can charge so much more then every other cable channel. It sounds like Fox is just being greedy and while i do understand there is a need for inflation increases to me it seems they are trying to extort ridiculous amounts of money. I have since switched to Directv about a year ago and I have to be honest when i say SOA is the best fucking show on TV right now as far as i am concerned and if they take it off the air for DTV customers then I will just have to watch it on the internet. I have no complaints about DTV as they honestly do provide a better service then cable at a much lower cost to me and i have absolutely no intentions on switching providers. I wish nothing but the best for Fox and the channels associated with them but if they can't get past their greed then shame on them for making their customers suffer.
Well, since FX values the creative process so much, maybe your friends there could convince the suits higher up the food chain to back off that 40%, yes 40%, increase that News Corporation is demanding from DirecTV for this channel package.
With NO disrespect intended toward anyone, especially you, with the exception of SOA the Fox programming just isn't worth it.
I am not a soa fan but I am just fed up with large corp in general complaining about price raises and then passing the buck to the little guy! Let me put it this way... I own a landscaping company and the price of gas and everything else for that matter has gone up. What do you think would happen to my customer base if I told them " Hey I am trying to look out for your best interest here and starting Nov. 1 we will no longer be able to cut your lawn or possibly raise you price untill I can negotiate a better price on gas with the oil companies" ? Umm I'm no rocket scientist but Im pretty sure they are going to tell me to go you know where and go some where else for service!
Share your outrage and think thatFX should show some concern for fans of your show by restoring streaming of episodes through Hulu or loweirng the price of episodes in the iTunes store.
Sucks!!! Last time it was Dish and I got out but it was a helluva time having to send back the DVRs and then putting up with setup from Directv! I was sure there wouldn't be this similar shit!! But I'm always wrong...too bad SOA wasn't on HBO which I haven't had any issues with! Only thing left is to have friends record the last 5
Can't really comment! Don't have that problem down under. Last episode, hmmmm...Piney Piney Piney....thats put a spanner in the works LOL saw that one coming, good job, now we will really see the demon Clay is! Yah...keep it coming. I was sorta hoping Juice would just get murdered, not take his own life like a coward, glad the branch broke, comedy of errors that one! I'd love to have tried a bit of the chilli, yummy yum yum. Again humour to the max. I kinda see the copper growing a heart, please for all of our sakes don't let him go soft and cry on us. Keep him a hardarse. Not much else to say really cept, keep the heads rolling.
Heres the problem SoA is the only show on any of the networks directv is taking down, i can do without all of the channels, what fox doesnt realize SoA fans will get their fix, it just wont be lining the pockets of fox while doing so. you can easily find all episodes of SoA on Torrent sites, and thats what alof of SoA fans will end up doing.
No matter how this dtv deal works out. I'm a die hard fan that will not stop watching soa or support YOU. our loyalty is to you not a corporation, there's always a way! We'll find it! Stay Up Sutter!
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