Nickelodeon Star Victoria Justice Nominated For A 2012 NCLR Alma Award For Her Role In The Hit Nickelodeon Show "VicTORIous"

From MonstersAndCritics.com:

Nominees Announced For The 2012 NCLR Alma Awards

The nominees for the 2012 NCLR (National Council of La Raza) ALMA Awards have been announced, and fans can now vote for their favorite stars online at ALMAAwards.com.

There, they can also enter for the chance to attend the show as an ALMA Awards VIP during the taping of the one-hour prime-time special to air Friday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

From NBC

The NCLR ALMA Awards will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month as a celebration of the entertainers who have upheld and promoted a socially proactive image of Hispanic culture in today's media. The telecast will showcase the spirit and accomplishments of some of the most prolific Latinos in the entertainment industry, spanning music, television, and film.

To vote, please go to www.almaawards.com. Voting ends on September 7, 2012.

Winners of the NCLR ALMA Awards will be determined by evaluating votes cast as well as box office, Nielsen, and Billboard rankings, and in consultation with the NCLR ALMA Awards Production Leadership Team.

This year the show will be produced by Dick Clark Productions' executive producers Orly Adelson and Barry Adelman along with Eva Longoria and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR.

NBC will air the initial broadcast; mun2 will present the ALMA Awards Red Carpet special and rebroadcast the show; Telemundo will host the official ALMA Awards website at www.telemundo.com/almaawards; and Comcast will leverage its cable outlets to both promote and provide the show to viewers via video on demand.

"Along with our partners NBCU/Comcast, PepsiCo, and of course, Eva Longoria, NCLR is revving up for what will surely be a fabulous show. With their partnership and with our strong and varied slate of nominees this year, we're looking forward to presenting an amazing show for our viewers and fans," stated Janet Murguía.

"We're excited to partner once again with the NCLR ALMA Awards to showcase the outstanding contributions and achievements of Latino performers," said Doug Vaughan, NBC's Senior Vice President, Specials and Late Night Programming.

Stated Orly Adelson, "We strongly believe in the message surrounding the ALMA Awards and are looking forward to working with Eva, Janet, and NBC to produce an exciting, meaningful, and prestigious show."

For additional information, please visit www.almaawards.com or follow the show on Twitter at @almaawards. Information is also available at www.nbc.com/alma-awards/.

2012 NCLR ALMA Awards Categories and Nominees

Favorite Movie
Act of Valor
For Greater Glory
Girl in Progress
Puss in Boots
The Way

Favorite Movie Actor
Diego Boneta, Rock of Ages
Benicio Del Toro, Savages
Andy Garcia, For Greater Glory
Rodrigo Santoro, What to Expect When You're Expecting
Martin Sheen, The Way

Favorite Movie Actress--Drama/Adventure
Salma Hayek, Savages
Eva Longoria, For Greater Glory
Eva Mendes, Girl in Progress
Roselyn Sanchez, Act of Valor
Zoe Saldana, Colombiana

Favorite Movie Actress--Comedy/Musical
Bérénice Bejo, The Artist
Penelope Cruz, To Rome With Love
Cameron Diaz, What to Expect When You're Expecting
Jennifer Lopez, What to Expect When You're Expecting
Aubrey Plaza, Safety Not Guaranteed

Favorite Movie Actor--Supporting Role
Demián Bichir, Savages
Rubén Blades, For Greater Glory
Emilio Estevez, The Way
Oscar Isaac, For Greater Glory
Édgar Ramírez, Wrath of the Titans

Favorite Movie Actress--Supporting Role
Mia Maestro, Savages
Cierra Ramirez, Girl in Progress
Genesis Rodriguez, Man on the Ledge
Harmony Santana, Gun Hill Road
Sofía Vergara, The Three Stooges

Favorite TV Reality, Variety, or Comedy Personality or Act
Christina Aguilera, The Voice (NBC)
Gabriel Iglesias, Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution (Comedy Central)
George Lopez, Take Me Out (FOX)
Jennifer Lopez, American Idol (FOX)
William Levy, Dancing with the Stars (ABC)

Favorite TV Actor
Benjamin Bratt, Private Practice (ABC)
Danny Pino, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC)
Tyler Posey, Teen Wolf (MTV)
James Roday, Psych (USA)
Charlie Sheen, Anger Management (FX)

Favorite TV Actress--Drama
Jordana Brewster, Dallas (TNT)
Julie Gonzalo, Dallas (TNT)
Cote de Pablo, NCIS (CBS)
Lana Parrilla, Once Upon a Time (ABC)
Madeleine Stowe, Revenge (ABC)

Favorite TV Actress--Comedy
Victoria Justice, Victorious (Nickelodeon)
Aubrey Plaza, Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Naya Rivera, Glee (FOX)
Belle Thorne, Shake It Up (Disney Channel)
Sofía Vergara, Modern Family (ABC)

Favorite TV Actor--Supporting Role in a Drama
Guillermo Diaz, Scandal (ABC)
Carlos Gomez, The Glades (A&E)
Jon Huertas, Castle (ABC)
Michael Trevino, The Vampire Diaries (CW)
David Zayas, Dexter (Showtime)

Favorite TV Actor--Supporting Role in a Comedy
Hector Elizondo, Last Man Standing (ABC)
Ian Gomez, Cougar Town (TBS)
Adam Irigoyen, Shake It Up (Disney Channel)
Oscar Nuñez, The Office (NBC)
Rico Rodriguez, Modern Family (ABC)

Favorite TV Actress--Supporting Role
Constance Marie, Switched at Birth (ABC Family)
Sara Ramirez, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Sarah Ramos, Parenthood (NBC)
Gina Torres, Suits (USA Network)
Lauren Vélez, Dexter (Showtime)

Favorite Male Music Artist
Bruno Mars
Pitbull
Ricky Martin
Romeo Santos
Santana

Favorite Female Music Artist
Gloria Estefan
Jennifer Lopez
Demi Lovato
Naya Rivera
Esperanza Spalding

Nickelodeon USA To Launch 'Turtle Vs. Foot' "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Campaign At San Diego Comic-Con International 2012

Below is a Nickelodeon Press Release that features news about Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series via Broadway World's 'TalkTVworld.com':

Nickelodeon to Launch 'Turtle vs. Foot' Campaign at Comic-Con

To celebrate the upcoming Sept. 29 launch of the all-new, CG-animated series TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, Nickelodeon is launching an immersive, experiential campaign at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2012 - 'Turtles vs. Foot', recruiting fans to fight for good alongside the Turtles or join the forces of evil with the Foot Clan.

Beginning Thursday, July 12, Turtles and Foot Clan street teams will be in downtown San Diego and at San Diego International Airport distributing recruitment propaganda encouraging fans to choose a side. . Throughout the city, wild postings, guerrilla chalk art on sidewalks and outdoor video projections will drive fans to a mobile website, m.turtlesvsfoot.com (or turtlesvsfoot.com; you need to visit Nickelodeon's official 'Turtles vs. Foot' TMNT campaign website using an iPhone or Android mobile smartphone for the full experience), where they can also choose their side and participate in missions to achieve real-time rewards and receive a phone call from either Splinter or Shredder.

Fans can also visit the 'Turtles vs. Foot'-branded truck in Petco Park's parking lot Thursday, July 12 - Saturday, July 14, between 10am -7pm, to receive their physical badge of allegiance and either a Foot Clan or Turtles Trucker hat (while supplies last). If spotted by the street teams wearing a hat anytime throughout the weekend, fans qualify for a chance to win a Turtle Prize Pack jam-packed with collectibles and an autographed piece of classic memorabilia from co-creator of the original TMNT series, Kevin Eastman.

Nickelodeon teamed up with digital creative agency, Tribal DDB Worldwide, to develop the 'Turtles vs. Foot' concept and bring the campaign to life.

Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles begins as the turtles emerge from their hidden lair in the sewers for the very first time, ready to confront the wondrous and hostile world of New York City and face enemies more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have imagined. Funnier and with more Ninjutsu than ever before, the show will explore the companionship of four teenage brothers learning to rely on themselves and one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and grow to become the heroes in a half-shell that they are destined to be. The premiere episode was executive produced by Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin & Jeff Ventimilia and Peter Hastings.

Considered one of the most popular kids' television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property also has translated into a significant consumer products business-with DVDs, video games, toys and more--that has generated billions of dollars at retail.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc.

Also, the official "Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Twitter profile page (‏@TMNTMaster) has Tweeted (posted) an exclusive photograph of Nickelodeon's 'Turtles vs. Foot'-branded van:

TMNT Master: Choose wisely. ‪#TvF‬ ‪#NickSDCC‬ http://m.turtlesvsfoot.com pic.twitter.com/WBwm4VAi.

Nickelodeon USA Honors Actor Ernest Borgnine With 'Mermaid Man' Themed "SpongeBob SquarePants" Marathon On 11th July 2012; To Encore On NickToons USA On 14th July 2012

From Broadway World's 'TalkTVworld.com':

Nickelodeon Honors Ernest Borgnine With SPONGEBOB Marathon Today

Nickelodeon honors the late Ernest Borgnine with a two-hour SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS marathon featuring the actor as Mermaid Man, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (ET/PT) today, Wednesday, July 11. Borgnine voiced the character alongside his former "McHale's Navy" co-star Tim Conway, who voiced Barnacle Boy. Nicktoons also will run the special line-up from 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 14.

The marathon kicks off with the first episode featuring Borgnine--"Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy." While watching their favorite show, reruns of the TV duo superhero show Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, SpongeBob and Patrick hear that their beloved heroes are living in a nearby retirement home. The aging superheroes discover their toughest challenge yet will be SpongeBob and Patrick, who have decided the duo must come out of retirement.

The special programming block continues with "Mermaid Man II," "MermaidMan and Barnacle Boy III," "Superfriends," "Back to the Past," "The Bad Guy Club for Villains" and "Mermaidman Begins."

Since its launch in July 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has emerged as a pop culture phenomenon. The series has been the number-one animated program with kids 2-11 for more than 12 consecutive years on Nickelodeon; and over the past several years, it has averaged more than 100 million total viewers every quarter across all Nickelodeon networks.

Also, from C21Media:

SpongeBob marathon honours Borgnine

US cablenet Nickelodeon will today honour the passing of SpongeBob SquarePants actor Ernest Borgnine with a two-hour marathon of the evergreen series.

Ernest Borgnine
Oscar-winning Borgnine, who voiced Mermaid Man in the show, passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. In remembrance, Nick will run back-to-back episodes between 14.00 and 16.00 (ET/PT) and begins with the first Mermaid Man appeared in.

Younger-skewing Nicktoons will also run special programming on Saturday, July 14, between 10.00 and 12.00 (ET). Borgnine’s prior TV credits included starring in McCale’s Navy and Airwolf.

Jesse Whittock
11-07-2012
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: SpongeBob SquarePants
PEOPLE: Ernest Borgnine
COMPANIES: Nickelodeon, Nicktoons
SECTIONS: C21 Kids
COUNTRIES: US

Saban Brands' Power Rangers To POWER Up San Diego Comic-Con International 2012

Below is a Saban Brands Press Release via PRNewswire:

Saban Brands' Power Rangers to POWER Up San Diego Comic-Con International

Cast appearances, press events, activities and merchandise to celebrate the Iconic Power Rangers franchise

LOS ANGELES, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Saban Brands' Power Rangers will be back again at this year's San Diego Comic-Con International 2012, taking place July 12-15. The brand will have a bigger presence at SDCC than ever before, with POWERED Up news and events to celebrate the past, present, and future of the Power Rangers brand.

(Saban Brands' Power Rangers Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary. (PRNewsFoto/Saban Brands) / Download Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120710/LA37890-a)

(Saban Brands Celebrates Power Rangers' 20th Anniversary. (PRNewsFoto/Saban Brands) / Download Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120710/LA37890LOGO-b)
"Power Rangers fans are going to be thrilled with the announcements and our lineup at Comic-Con this year," said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. "We have a lot up our sleeves and are excited to share a few exclusives and unveilings with our super fans."

Saban Brands will kick off the show with a special Shout! Factory panel on Thursday, July 12. The summit, "POWER RANGERS: 20 Years and Beyond," will be held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront (Indigo Room) at 2pm. Moderated by Brian Ward (Shout! Factory DVD producer), panelists include Elie Dekel (President, Saban Brands), actor Paul Schrier (who played "Bulk" in the original series and in the current production), writer and supervising producer Tony Oliver (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), actor Alex Heartman (Jayden/Red Samurai Ranger), as well as other key talent and members of the creative team. The panelists will dive into the evolution of the Power Rangers franchise over the years, including the long-awaited debut of the series on DVD and the show's resurgence on Nickelodeon with Power Rangers Super Samurai and much more. Immediately following this event, the panelists will remain available at the Shout! Factory booth for a signing.

Fans that head straight for the show floor will be able to find Power Rangers merchandise, giveaways, and activities at various licensees' booths throughout the show. Bandai America Incorporated will be offering Limited Edition San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive, which includes 6 Ranger figures with metallic paint deco. Fans can purchase these at the Bandai America Inc. Booth #5136. The Mega Bloks booth (#3947) is solely dedicated to the Power Rangers brand featuring a progressive mural made of blocks, while various other licensees including NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. (booth #5136), Mattel (booth #3029), Papercutz (booth #2546), Shout! Factory (booth #3849), WeLoveFine (booth #517), will also have a Power Rangers presence with exclusive items, game demos, products and more. Acme Archives (booth #5629) will be debuting the first ever piece in the Power Rangers art program, entitled "Red Ranger" by artist Dave Rapoza, available starting on Preview Night.

In addition to all the swag at Comic-Con, attendees can keep their eyes peeled for the actual Power Rangers who will be around on the show floor throughout the entire show. They will also be making a special appearance at the Mattel Booth #3029 on Sunday at 10am.

The excitement will continue well into the show, as fans can join the cast of the number one kids' action series, Power Rangers Super Samurai, at 5th and Island Avenue for the reveal of a Power Rangers 3D Progressive Mural on Saturday, July 14 at 12pm. There will be POWERFUL franchise announcements and surprises that no Power Rangers enthusiast will want to miss. Following the mural unveiling, the Super Samurai cast will participate in a Q&A press event at a nearby hotel. Fans will also have the opportunity to see the cast of Power Rangers Super Samurai at the Nickelodeon Booth #4113 for an autograph signing on Saturday at 3pm. Actors Alex Heartman (Red Samurai Ranger), Najee De-Tiege (Blue Samurai Ranger), Erika Fong (Pink Samurai Ranger), Hector David Jr. (Green Samurai Ranger), Brittany Pirtle (Yellow Samurai Ranger) and Steven Skyler (Gold Samurai Ranger) will be on hand to meet and greet fans and pose for photos. Go Go Samurai!

About Saban's Power Rangers Super Samurai
Power Rangers Super Samurai is the all-new, half-hour series that features a new cast of Rangers and never-before-seen villains, as well as high-octane action, martial arts and advanced special effects. New episodes premiere Saturdays at noon (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Currently in its 19th season, Power Rangers Super Samurai is helmed by Haim Saban, who created and produced the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children's television program in the United States. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others by following the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who "morphed" into superheroes, the series was seen in more than 60 countries, translated into numerous languages, and was a mainstay in the most prominent international children's programming blocks. Power Rangers LLC, which licenses and merchandises the Power Rangers brand, is an affiliate of Saban Brands. For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.

Saban Brands' Power Rangers Megaforce
Saban Brands will launch the newest version of Power Rangers, the number-one kids action series on television, with Power Rangers Megaforce. The new series, which premieres in 2013, will deliver mega action, humor, excitement, and entertainment, in addition to the core themes of friendship, teamwork, fitness, and helping others. Power Rangers Megaforce will air as Saban Brands celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Power Rangers franchise. The series will be helmed by Haim Saban, who created and produced the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children's television program in the United States. The series followed the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who "morphed" into superheroes. It was seen in more than 60 countries, translated into numerous languages, and was a mainstay in the most prominent international children's programming blocks. Power Rangers LLC, which licenses and merchandises the Power Rangers brand, is an affiliate of Saban Brands. For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.

About Saban Brands
Formed in 2010 as a subsidiary of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands. SB applies a strategic transmedia management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB is led by a superior management team with decades of experience in media, content creation, branding, licensing, marketing and finance. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com

Saban Brands Contact:
Kelsey Lynch
Burson-Marsteller
310-309-6671
kelsey.lynch@bm.com

SOURCE Saban Brands

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sabanbrands.com.

Also, Tweeted by the official "Power Rangers" website, PowerRangers.com, on their official Twitter profile page (@PowerRangerNews):

Get your #PowerRangers passport [Power Rangers Passport] stamped at ALL 7 partner booths and receive an exclusive 20th Anniversary t-shirt! #PowerRangersSDCC #SDCC

DirecTV Drops 26 Viacom Channels, Including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., NickToons, TeenNick, Nickelodeon West, Nick @ Nite, And Nickelodeon HD

From Blog.Viacom, the official blog of Viacom Inc., who is the parent company of the Nickelodeon brand:

DirecTV Drops 26 Viacom Channels

July 11, 2012 @ 12:08 AM

by Mark Jafar, Viacom

The eleventh hour has come and gone and, unfortunately, the unthinkable has happened.

At approximately 11:50 p.m., DirecTV dropped 26 Viacom channels, including:

Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, VH1, CMT, Logo, Spike, TV Land, MTV2, VH1 Classic, Palladia, Nick Jr., NickToons, TeenNick, Nickelodeon West, Tr3s, Centric, MTV India, Nickelodeon HD, Comedy Central HD, MTV HD, BET HD, VH1 HD, CMT HD and Spike HD.

DirecTV dropped the channels without giving Viacom advanced warning. The last time Viacom was contacted by DirecTV was at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Here's the official statement from Viacom:

We are deeply disappointed that DirecTV dropped Viacom’s channels before our midnight deadline this evening, severing our connection with its nearly 20 million subscribers nationwide. We proposed a fair deal that amounted to an increase of only a couple pennies per day, per subscriber, and we remained willing to negotiate that deal right up to this evening’s deadline. However, DirecTV refused to engage in meaningful conversation. We are hopeful that DirecTV will work with us toward a resolution, and stop denying its subscribers access to the networks they watch most.

Check back here and at www.whendirectvdrops.com and www.facebook.com/whendirectvdrops for updates.

Viacom have also posted an update about the dispute on the official Viacom blog, Blog.Viacom:

Update on State of Talks with DirecTV

July 11, 2012 @ 10:17 AM

by Mark Jafar, Viacom

DirecTV dropped Viacom's channels at precisely 11:46 p.m. ET last night, replacing most of our networks with a looping video message from their CEO, and replacing Nickelodeon with a mosaic image of non-Viacom kids’ programming available on DirecTV.

After doing so, DirecTV told the press that Viacom ignored attempts to reach a deal. This is not true.

The following is a statement from Denise Denson, our Executive Vice President of Content Distribution and Marketing, that clarifies the events that led up to DirecTV removing our channels last night:

"The last time we spoke with DirecTV was at 11:00 a.m. yesterday morning and there were no new ideas offered for resolution. In fact, the last proposal DirecTV had made was lower than anyone else pays in the industry, and a deal we said we would not do out of fairness to other distributors. It is essentially the same proposal they had been talking about for three weeks, and one we continually said we would not do. DirecTV also refused to engage with us on any issues related to the deal beyond the rate increase. We are ready to talk at any time."

Nickelodeon USA's "DirecTV Is Dropping Nick" Trailer/Promo:



Also, from TheWrap TV:

So Long, Snooki: Viacom Networks Go Dark for DirecTV Customers

Viacom networks including MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon went dark for DirecTV subscribers at midnight ET as Viacom and DirecTV squabbled over fees.

The outage came as a deadline in the dispute passed without a resolution. Both sides said in statements that no deal had been reached.

Viacom said 20 million customers lost their networks. DirecTV said Viacom is seeking a 30 percent increase -- equaling more than a billion dollars -- in the fees it receives from DirecTV. Those costs would likely be passed on to customers.

Derek Chang, DirecTV executive vice president of content, strategy and development, said in the company's statement that Viacom was pushing for the fee increase "despite the fact that the ratings for many of their main networks have plummeted and much of Viacom’s programming can be seen for free online.”

He was referring especially to struggling kids' network Nickelodeon, which began registering significant ratings slides in the fall.

Viacom, meanwhile, complained in a blog post that DirecTV had "dropped the channels without giving Viacom advanced warning," and that the two sides had not been in direct contact since 11 a.m. Tuesday morning. Viacom said DirecTV dropped the channels just before the midnight deadline.

"We are deeply disappointed that DirecTV dropped Viacom’s channels before our midnight deadline this evening, severing our connection with its nearly 20 million subscribers nationwide," Viacom said. "We proposed a fair deal that amounted to an increase of only a couple pennies per day, per subscriber, and we remained willing to negotiate that deal right up to this evening’s deadline. However, DirecTV refused to engage in meaningful conversation. We are hopeful that DirecTV will work with us toward a resolution, and stop denying its subscribers access to the networks they watch most."

In the hours leading up to the blackout, DirecTV subscribers were subjected to on-screen messages from both DirecTV and Viacom, with each claiming the other was to blame.

"This is [...] annoying," tweeted DirecTV subscriber Christopher J. Ortiz, who posted the image above. "#Viacom and #DirecTv, you guys are acting like 5th graders. Half my screen is filled."

Seventeen Viacom networks are affected: Palladia, Centric, Tr3s, CMT, Logo, NickToons, VH1 Classic, TeenNick, Nick Jr., Nick@Nite, Spike, BET, VH1, TV Land, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and MTV.

Viacom said before the blackout that the two sides had been "negotiating for months" and that it had offered to extend its seven-year-old contract with DirecTV further past its June 30 expiration date. It also said the two sides had made recent progress in negotiations, but that "DirecTV has rejected all of our proposals to renew our agreement."

DirecTV, meanwhile, contended that Viacom "sent a letter to our executives forcing us to take the channels away in order to gain leverage against us in negotiations."

Also, below is a DIRECTV press release about the dispute via Business Wire:

Viacom Drops 17 National Networks from DIRECTV Lineup After Ignoring DIRECTV’s Latest Proposal

Viacom Sends Letter to DIRECTV Demanding Channels be Removed; Pushing DIRECTV Customers to Pay a 30 Percent Rate Hike for Channels In a Ratings Slide

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DIRECTV customers were left without Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and 14 other channels today, after Viacom dropped its networks from DIRECTV at approximately midnight EDT. DIRECTV executives reached out to Viacom both yesterday and today with a new proposal and a request to keep the channels on while we continued to negotiate, but never heard back, so DIRECTV had to comply with their demand to take the channels down or face legal action.

“Viacom sent us a letter last night that outlined our obligations to remove the channels by midnight or face legal action just as they were falsely telling viewers DIRECTV was responsible. Let’s be clear, Viacom took these channels away from DIRECTV viewers.”

“We have been very willing to get a deal done, but Viacom is pushing DIRECTV customers to pay more than a 30 percent increase, which equates to an extra $1 billion, despite the fact that the ratings for many of their main networks have plummeted and much of Viacom’s programming can be seen for free online,” said Derek Chang, DIRECTV executive vice president of Content, Strategy and Development. “Viacom sent us a letter last night that outlined our obligations to remove the channels by midnight or face legal action just as they were falsely telling viewers DIRECTV was responsible. Let’s be clear, Viacom took these channels away from DIRECTV viewers.”

On its Website www.directvpromise.com, an information resource for customers affected by programming disputes, DIRECTV pointed out that Viacom is demanding an exorbitant increase for many Viacom channels that customers may never watch. DIRECTV stated that if Viacom believes all of its networks are worth so much extra money, DIRECTV customers should have the right to choose which Viacom channels they want to pay to keep and which ones they don’t.

“We have absolutely no problem compensating Viacom fairly, but they have now knowingly put our customers in the unreasonable position of either accepting their extravagant financial demands or losing some of their favorite TV shows,” said Chang. “We feel our customers should not have to pay more for these networks than the customers of any other TV provider. We reiterated this to Viacom today and have not heard back from them.”

“We understand that Viacom’s actions are inconveniencing our customers so we are doing everything we can to help them find alternative programming until this gets resolved,” Chang added. “Customers will now see a variety of replacement channels available to them on one screen, in a Mix Channel format, when they tune to a Viacom channel. For instance, those going to the Nickelodeon channel slot will see alternative choices for children’s programming such as The Disney Channel, ABC Family, Cartoon Network, PBS Sprout, The Hub and Boomerang. Customers can also see full-length Viacom episodes for free by going to www.directvpromise.com and clicking on the ‘Other Ways to Watch’ tab.”

About DIRECTV:

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world’s leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to 33 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 19.9 million customers access to more than 170 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, Emmy- award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 11 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 12 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 60 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50337469&lang=en

Contacts

DIRECTV
Robert Mercer, 310-964-4683
rgmercer@directv.com
or
Darris Gringeri, 212-205-0882
dagringeri@directv.com.

Also, from C21Media:

DirecTV turns off Viacom channels

US pay-TV platform DirecTV has pulled the plug on 17 Viacom-owned channels including MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy following a row over carriage fees.

The channels -went dark at 23.50 yesterday after Viacom failed to achieve what it claimed to be a “fair deal” for its content after a series of negotiations with DirecTV executives.

The dispute marks the latest in a long line of clashes in the US between content providers and pay-TV platforms over carriage fees. AMC Networks was embroiled in rows with AT&T and Dish Networks just last week.

DirecTV claims Viacom has been seeking an increase of almost a third on the pair’s previous deal. It said it had made a last-ditch offer yesterday to keep the channels on air but was forced to pull them when Viacom ignored the approach.

“We have been very willing to get a deal done, but Viacom is pushing DirecTV customers to pay more than a 30% increase, which equates to an extra US$1bn, despite the fact that the ratings for many of their main networks have plummeted and much of Viacom’s programming can be seen for free online,” said Derek Chang, the pay-TV operation's executive VP of content, strategy and development.

Chang also alleged Viacom “took these channels away” from viewers, but Viacom countered, saying it was “deeply disappointed” DirecTV had "dropped" them. The number of Viacom nets gone dark rises to 26 if HD versions are also taken into account.

“We proposed a fair deal that amounted to an increase of only a couple pennies per day, per subscriber, and we remained willing to negotiate that deal right up to this evening’s deadline. However, DirecTV refused to engage in meaningful conversation,” Viacom continued in a statement.

Both sides say they are working toward a resolution. For the time being, DirecTV is running replacement channels in the slots vacated. For example, programmes from Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, Sprout, The Hub and Boomerang are running in place of Nick. Viacom content is still available free to subscribers via DirecTV’s website.

Jesse Whittock
11-07-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Channel carriage, Retransmission
SHOWS: Jersey Shore, South Park, SpongeBob SquarePants
COMPANIES: Comedy Central, DirecTV, MTV, Nickelodeon, Viacom
SECTIONS: C21 Kids, C21Drama, C21Factual, Formats Lab
COUNTRIES: US

Also, from Bloomberg:

DirecTV CEO Says Talks With Viacom Continue

DirecTV (DTV) Chief Executive Officer Mike White said talks are continuing with Viacom (VIAB) Inc., even as the two sides remain “pretty far apart” in a dispute over programming fees.

“We’re happy to do a fair deal,” he said today from the Allen & Co. conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. “We’re talking.”

July 11 (Bloomberg) -- Laura Martin, an analyst at Needham & Co., talks about a dispute between DirecTV and Viacom Inc. over programming fees. Viacom's 26 channels, including MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, went dark for almost 20 million DirecTV subscribers just before midnight yesterday after the companies failed to reach a new programming-fee agreement. She speaks with Cory Johnson on Bloomberg Television's "Bloomberg West." (Source: Bloomberg)
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Viacom’s 26 channels, including MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, went dark for almost 20 million DirecTV subscribers just before midnight yesterday after the companies failed to reach a new programming-fee agreement. DirecTV said that Viacom demanded the networks be dropped from its service, which ranks No. 1 in the U.S. satellite-TV market.

The standoff marks the latest fee tussle between a pay-TV provider and program supplier. Such fights have blacked out millions of subscribers in recent years, including 14 million Dish Network Corp. (DISH) customers who lost access to AMC Networks Inc. (AMCX) last month. Viacom said on its blog that its programs amount to 20 percent of the audience at DirecTV. The satellite provider, meanwhile, cited falling ratings at Viacom’s channels as an issue in the dispute.

“It has been inconceivable that any distributor could drop Viacom’s networks, mostly because of Nickelodeon,” Todd Juenger, a Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analyst in New York, wrote in a note in June. “But ratings are down, often significantly, at networks representing 71 percent of Viacom affiliate fees.”

$1 Billion

White said Viacom is demanding a fee increase of more than 30 percent, amounting to more than $1 billion in additional costs over five years.

“We offered a hefty increase,” he said today in the interview, without being specific. “We always said we’ll pay a fair price consistent with other large distributors.”

Viacom, based in New York, fell 0.3 percent to $46.73 at the close in New York. The Class B stock has gained 2.9 percent this year. DirecTV, up 13 percent this year, declined 1.1 percent today to $48.15.

Viacom President and CEO Philippe Dauman, questioned at the Allen & Co. conference, said he wouldn’t negotiate in public.

“As you can see, we have negotiated with every other pay- TV operator, without problems,” Dauman said. “Our record speaks for itself.”

The parties have been talking for several months and extended their seven-year agreement past the original June 30 expiration while discussions continued, Viacom said. During that time, Viacom allowed its channels to stay on DirecTV.

‘Deeply Disappointed’

DirecTV dropped Viacom's channels about 10 minutes before midnight with no warning, Mark Jafar, a Viacom spokesman, said in a blog post. He said El Segundo, California-based DirecTV “refused to engage in meaningful conversation.”

“We are deeply disappointed that DirecTV dropped Viacom’s channels before our midnight deadline this evening, severing our connection with its nearly 20 million subscribers nationwide,” Jafar said. “We proposed a fair deal that amounted to an increase of only a couple pennies per day, per subscriber, and we remained willing to negotiate that deal right up to this evening’s deadline.”

Viacom today also began limiting the number of programs it lets people watch for free at its websites, after DirecTV created a navigation tool to help customers find the shows they've lost, according to Meghan McLarty, a DirecTV spokeswoman.

Channel Bundling

White said he isn’t looking to break up Viacom’s bundle of channels and buy them individually, even though his customers would prefer not to pay for networks they don’t watch.

“Consumers ask us to do that all the time,” he said. “I don’t think that’s likely because I don’t think the media companies in general would be willing to do that.”

The sluggish economy and online services such as Netflix Inc. (NFLX) and Hulu LLC also may make satellite customers less likely to pay higher rates, White said.

“In this economy, consumers are struggling,” he said. “Their incomes aren’t growing at those rates, and it’s tough for the average consumer. That’s what we care most about.”

Viacom said its fees account for less than 5 percent of the satellite service’s programming expenses, and that DirecTV “enjoyed way below market rates for Viacom’s networks for a very long time.”

Also, from Bloomberg:

DirecTV, Coping With Nickelodeon Loss, Adds Disney Junior

DirecTV (DTV)’s 20 million customers, following the loss of Nickelodeon kids’ programming because of the satellite-TV provider’s dispute with Viacom Inc. (VIAB), will begin receiving the 24-hour Disney Junior channel tomorrow.

Disney Junior, created by Walt Disney Co. (DIS) to target viewers ages 2 to 7, will be permanently added to DirecTV’s lineup as a basic channel, according to a statement today from the companies. Disney Junior began last year as a daytime programming block within the Disney Channel, before becoming its own 24-hour station this year.

The move lets DirecTV bolster its children’s programming after blacking out Viacom’s 26 channels, including Nickelodeon kids’ shows such as “Dora the Explorer” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.” DirecTV dropped the programs just before midnight on July 10 following stalled negotiations over the fees that the satellite company pays for the shows.

Disney Junior’s programs include cartoons and live-action shows, including “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and “Handy Manny.” The channel also airs movies from Walt Disney Studios and its Pixar division.

The plan to add the channel was already in the works before the Viacom impasse, said Robert Mercer, a spokesman for El Segundo, California-based DirecTV, the largest U.S. satellite-TV provider. Even so, the deal mitigates the need for other kids’ channels, he said.

“Given the unsurpassed quality of Disney Junior’s family- friendly programming, there’s no reason to watch anything else,” he said in an e-mail.

Nickelodeon Australia Announces 'SLIMEFEST' - Australia's First Music Festival Exclusively For Kids And Tweens!

Nickelodeon Australia has announced and revealed the exciting details about Nickelodeon Australia's upcoming "SlimeFest" event!

According to Nickelodeon Australia's official "Slime Fest" webpage on the official Australian Nickelodeon website, Nickelodeon.com.au/slimefest, on Saturday 15th September 2012, Nickelodeon Australia will be taking over Sydney's Hordern Pavilion to hold a very special concert called "SLIMEFEST", Australia's first music festival just for kids, tweens and teenagers!

Nickelodeon Oz's brand new "SLIMEFEST" event will combine all the best bits from the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards with Australian celebrities, such as the Australian R&B singer, songwriter, "Australian Idol" star and actress Jessica Mauboy, the British-Australian singer-songwriter, and "The X Factor Australia" winner Reece Mastin, Māori Australian recording artist, actor, and "Australian Idol" winner Stan Walker, Sydney based all-male hip-hop dance and pop music group and "Australia's Got Talent" winners 'Justice Crew' (consisting of group members Lukas Bellesini, Paul Eric Merciadez, John Len Ruela Pearce, Len John Ruela Pearce, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Samson Cosray Smith, and Solo Tohi), and Australian singer-songwriter, dancer and "The X Factor (Australia)" grand finalist Johnny Ruffo, and more, and of course, lots and lots of Nickelodeon's world famous SLIME, to rock the roof of Sydney's Hordern Pavilion!

Nickelodeon Australia viewers and slime fans will be able to apply for tickets to attend Nickelodeon Australia's "SLIMEFEST" from ticketing website 'Ticketek' by by logging on to and visiting the official 'Ticketek' website, www.ticketek.com, from 9am on Friday 20th July 2012 and entering the special Ticket codeword 'FOXTEL'.

Nickelodeon Australia has also launched a SLIMEFEST social media campaign by making a brand new Facebook profile page that will allow Nickelodeon fans not at the event to still feel a part of it, which you can view here at Facebook.com/2012NickelodeonSlimeFest.

Below is more information about Nickelodeon Australia's brand new "SLIMEFEST" music festival from Nickelodeon Australia's official "Slime Fest" website:

Watch Out, Australia, There's A New Wave Of Slime Coming!

Nickelodeon Slime Fest

Get ready for the slime of your life as Nickelodeon brings you the brand NEW concert SLIMEFEST!

Combining all the best elements from Kids' Choice Awards, SLIMEFEST will deliver EVEN MORE of the things you love - awesome Aussie CELEBS, all the hottest music acts and of course MORE SLIME than ever before!

Jessica Mauboy, Reece Mastin, Stan Walker, Justice Crew, Johnny Ruffo, and Many more!

Held at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on 15th September 2012, SLIMEFEST is going to rock the roof!

As Nick fans, be first in line to your tickets at 9am on Friday 20th July 2012 from Ticketek (www.ticketek.com) using the special codeword FOXTEL.

SEE YOU THERE!

15th September 2012
Sydney's Hordern Pavilion

Also, from Voxy.co.nz:

Slimefest to hit Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon Australia is delighted to announce today that a brand NEW wave of slime is coming in the form of Slimefest, which is set to be Australia's first music festival created especially for tweens.

Taking place at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Saturday September 15, SLIMEFEST is set to be a next-level concert experience combining all the best elements of Nickelodeon's mega-popular Kids' Choice Awards (KCAs) events: music, stars, stunts, and of course - Nickelodeon's trademark slime.

Artists already confirmed to rock the arena for SLIMEFEST include JESSICA MAUBOY, REECE MASTIN, JUSTICE CREW, STAN WALKER and JOHNNY RUFFO. Jess, Justice Crew and Stan are all Australian KCAs veterans, having been previous nominees as well as performers, and are very familiar with the massive excitement that a Nickelodeon concert event generates.

General Manager of Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand, Ben Richardson, said, "Fans of the Australian KCAs can expect SLIMEFEST to be a next-level concert experience, injected with spectacular slime stunts. It will be an event that kids and tweens all over Australia will want to be part of, and we'll be making sure they can, no matter where they are. We're planning audience participation in the arena as well as fan integration into the show through social media, with details to be revealed in the coming weeks after tickets go on sale.

"Of course we will also be giving the show a national broadcast, extending the excitement to kids and tweens at home. Our mission with this new event is to deliver the Kids' Choice Awards slime experience to more kids and tweens than ever before - watch out for some sliming world records to be broken!"

Also, from The Telegraph's 'Sydney Confidential' column:

Nickelodeon's Slimefest is first music festival for tweens headlined by Jessica Mauboy, Reece Mastin and Justice Crew

WHAT's green and goes pop? Slimefest, Australia's first music festival for tweens, headlined by our most successful TV talent quest graduates.

Jessica Mauboy, Reece Mastin, Justice Crew, Stan Walker and Johnny Ruffo have already signed on for the event at the Hordern Pavilion in Moore Park, Sydney, on September 15.

Jessica Mauboy and Stan Walker holding microphones dipped in slime. Picture: Cameron RichardsonSlimefest is the brainchild of bosses at Nickelodeon, who decided to spin off their wildly successful Kids' Choice Awards into an all-day event catering for children too big for the Wiggles but not big enough for Big Day Out.

"There's all these festivals out there but there are certain age limits so this one is for them," Mauboy said.

While Slimefest won't have beer queues, it will share one festival must-have with its older brother and sister events - gumboots to protect feet, but from slime instead of mud.

"That's a big advantage this festival will have - you don't get slimed at the other festivals. I'm just hoping it's lime or apple-flavoured," Ruffo said.

Tickets go on sale on July 27 and Nickelodeon has plans for a social media campaign to allow viewers not at the event to feel a part of it. If the inaugural Slimefest is successful, it may be taken nationally next year.

Meanwhile, Big Day Out will reveal the line-up for the 2013 event on Monday.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are rumoured to be headlining.