Time Warner Cable Drops Networks From iPad App

Time Warner Cable (TWC.N) will drop some networks from its live viewing iPad app after three media companies issued 'cease and desist' orders because they believe the cable company needs to pay for new licenses.

The No.2 U.S. cable company will no longer carry networks owned by News Corp's (NWSA.O) Fox, Viacom (VIAb.N) and Discovery Communications (DISCA.O) through the app, according to a company spokesman.

The Time Warner Cable iPad launched earlier this month allowed users to watch live programming from 32 networks so long as they're in the home using their Wi-Fi network.

Some programmers protested that a cable company would require an expanded license to be able to show live programming on a device other than a TV. Time Warner Cable said it is legally within its right.

"We will pursue all of our legal rights against the programmers who don't share our vision," the company said in a statement.

Cablevision Systems Corp (CVC.N) is expected to launch a similar iPad app any day now following a trial with around 100 employees.

"The application has been submitted to Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and, upon its approval, will be available to our cable television customers," the company said.

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