Yesterday, the talks between WDRB -TV and Time Warner Cable went public in a big way.Time Warner (which has purchased Insight) pays content providers like WDRB for the content they supply to the cable lineup. WDRB is seeking an increase in those fees that station executives say is in line with year-to-year increases paid by Insight. Time Warner has offered the same rate as the previous contract. The contract expires tonight at midnight, and unless a last-minute deal comes through, WDRB and WMYO will not be carried on cable in Louisville. WDRB posted notices before saying there was no resolution in sight, and yesterday, General Manager Bill Lamb took to the airwaves to make his case. Now, the station has posted an FAQ about the talks and what will happen if there isn't an agreement. As I mentioned in a story yesterday, this kind of brinksmanship is common on talks between channels and cable providers, but it doesn't often come down to the final day. That's not to say all hope is lost. A Time Warner spokeswoman told me yesterday that she believes a deal will be reached. Both sides benefit from a contract. WDRB gets viewers (and, in turn, ads) and Time Warner has more channels to offer. I'll be following the talks today.
