I've seen info where Viacom is saying Directv is pulling the channels and I've seen the reverse. My point is I'm the consumer, the endpoint. I don't care if it's an issue with Viacom or Fox or what have you. All I see is the end result...no channels. It's Directv's fault as far as I'm concerned. Raise the price, do whatever, just keep the channels going. Directv is not out for our welfare, there is something else going on with this than price. We just don't know about it.
In my business, installing IBM mid-range servers, if something beyond my control happens, it's my fault. I have to rectify it behind the scenes to make the client happy. Pointing fingers has never worked. That philosophy has worked for me for nigh on 24 years now. I have had many instances of that scenario. When I see to very large companies pointing fingers at each other, it's really unprofessional as far as I'm concerned.
Work out a stopgap measure and keep negotiating. Figure it out and get on with your lives. Both Viacom and Directv evidently don't subscribe to this.
So, I've made the decision to switch technologies. There's been a few things bothering me about Directv and this is the last straw for them. I can switch to Dish or switch to cable. I like my options with Dish better. I have to do some research to what equipment I need and talk to my neighbor who has them. I'm not going to do this in a hurry. The kids have switched over to Disney for now. TV Land is another channel that's gone and there are programs I watch there, but they won't be back on until around September. I imagine this issue will be resolved at some point by then.
There are so many channels that are pure junk to me. I wish there was an ala carte system of choosing what you want to pay for instead of paying for a package where there is really only one or two channels you need.