Lifetime TV is "going to war" with cable operator TCI
concerning plans to have the network dropped from local systems
across the country, according to the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Sources
at Lifetime told the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER that TCI notified 800,000
customers in September the network would be dropped. But since
the "news leaked" in late August, TCI has "run a well-
orchestrated campaign" to "get the word out" that cable customers
were going to lose the only cable service that carried
programming dealing with women's issues. Lifetime would be the
largest network to be dropped from TCI to make room for the Fox
News Channel, which the cable system operator has committed to
carry in 10 million homes when it launches October 7 (HOLLYWOOD
REPORTER, 9/16). Bill Carter writes in the N.Y. TIMES that the
"vehemence of reaction" against TCI has so angered the company
that it may have "negative implications" for any plans by
Lifetime's parents, Hearst Corp. and Disney, to start new cable
services. Carter notes, "Carriage on TCI is considered crucial
to the start-up of new cable channels" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/16).
Lifetime signed a deal with the WNBA to provide a weekly Friday
telecast during the regular season, as well as coverage of
semifinal playoff action (THE DAILY).
