CBS Says Time Warner Cable Dropped Network for 'Leverage'

According to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS has released a new statement today regarding its ongoing dispute with Time Warner Cable. Since Friday, the conflict between the two companies has resulted in TWC removing CBS from the air in several major markets, CBS blocking its online content to TWC customers in retaliation, and thousands of viewers losing their access to Showtime.

CBS said in the statement that prior to the Friday night deadline, the company requested TWC to continue talks but were rebuffed. According to the network, TWC "told us they'd have more leverage against us if they took us off their service."

"This is hardly a sign they care about their customers as they claim," CBS continued. "We remain ready to negotiate in good faith when they are."

CBS also ran newspaper ads today in New York and Los Angeles asking complaining customers to contact TWC. The network is offering rebates to Showtime customers but not for broadcast channel blackouts.

TWC responded to CBS' new statement in kind by saying: "We regret the inconvenience to our customers (and their viewers) and look forward to resolving the situation as soon as possible."