CBS-Time Warner Cable dispute blacks out network’s iOS apps

CBS 1.0 for iOS (teaser 001)

If you thought the argument between CBS and Time Warner Cable was just a spat between two media giants, the collateral damage is quickly spreading. After Time Warner pulled the plug on the network over the weekend, CBS began blocking access to its Internet streaming.

Instead of Under the Dome, Big Brother, or even preseason NFL games, users of the CBPS iPad app are shown a video taking aim at the cable company: “Say no to Time Warner Cable”…

The blackout reportedly impacts around three million Time Warner Cable customers, blacking out entertainment and sports broadcasts in many major markets, including New York City, Los Angeles and Boston.

According to AppleInsider, an IP ban also includes the official CBS streaming app for the iPhone and iPad. Tablet users who attempt to stream CBS programming via the app are shown a 45-second video blaming Time Warner for preventing the viewing of the network’s most popular shows.

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Additionally, since CBS owns the broadcast rights to American Football Conference teams such as the New England Patriots and New York Jets, sports fans hoping to watch preseason games this week could be out of luck.

Along with Time Warner Cable customers, subscribers to Bright House Networks, a regional partner of Time Warner, are also affected.