Recovering The Satellites

Versus is back on DirecTV more than six months after it was taken off in a carriage dispute. The Comcast-owned net Monday afternoon returned to the same programming packages and location in the channel guide as it was when it was taken down last September. Details are slow to leak out of the discussions, but several sources say that the “high profile” of the NHL following the hugely successful Olympic tournament has a role in a new deal being reached, as does Lance Armstrong’s participation in several cycling races the net is covering, including the Tour de France. The development is certainly good news for the NHL, which this season is seeing a 23% ratings increase on Versus compared to the same time period last year for its exclusive game coverage. The move should also benefit the Izod IndyCar Series, though it does come less than 48 hours after the conclusion of the season-opening race in Brazil.