ESPN sues Verizon over pared-down TV package

ESPN sued Verizon on Monday for offering slimmed-down versions of its cable TV offerings without first obtaining the sports network’s permission.

The network accused Verizon of breaking its contract with the new “Custom TV” plan, which lets FiOS subscribers pick from a narrower bundle of TV channels.

{mosads}”ESPN is at the forefront of embracing innovative ways to deliver high-quality content and value to consumers on multiple platforms, but that must be done in compliance with our agreements,” the company said in a statement.

“We simply ask that Verizon abide by the terms of our contracts.”

The suit was filed in New York Supreme Court. 

Verizon’s “Custom TV” plan, announced last week, allows subscribers to buy TV packages in genres such as Kids or Sports, which all include a base set of channels as well as more specific programming. A “triple play” bundle with Internet and phone service starts at $74.99 per month, $25 less that the traditional “Preferred HD” bundle. 

The new package is meant to cut down on the dozens of channels that subscribers pay for but never watch, and was seen as a direct response to the uptick in “cord-cutters” moving away from traditional TV and embracing the range of newer offerings available via the Internet.

Multiple networks protests, however, accusing the cable giant of violating their licensing agreements. 

In response to Monday’s lawsuit, Verizon is standing firm. 

“Consumers have spoken loud and clear that they want choice, and the industry should be focused on giving consumers what they want,” spokesman Ed McFadden said in a statement. “We are well within our rights under our agreements to offer our customers these choices.”