Nick flooded with calls after Telewest axe

Hundreds of confused viewers have called Nickelodeon today after the broadcaster's channels were axed from the Telewest lineup.

The stations - Nickelodeon, Nick Replay, Nicktoons TV and Nick Jr. - were dropped by the cable operator Wednesday evening after both parties failed to agree terms for a new carriage contract. Nick claimed today that Telewest had required "substantial changes" to the existing agreement but Telewest argued that it had to keep programming costs "competitive" to offer its viewers the best value service.

"We are extremely disappointed that Telewest has chosen to reject our offer," said David Lynn, MD at Nickelodeon UK, today. "We are especially disappointed on behalf of our Telewest viewers, since the channels will be removed just days before Christmas."

Digital Spy has learned that the existing carriage contract expired yesterday (December 16), prompting Nick's swift departure from the service after the talks fell through. Many thousands of viewers were still left without explanation today, however, and phoned up the operator to complain.

Viewers of all ages have also been swamping Nickelodeon's switchboards asking for the channels to be reinstated. The broadcaster is actively encouraging viewers to complain to Telewest customer services or approach alternative pay TV providers such as Sky and NTL.

Despite the furore, hope still remains that both sides can agree a new deal, as the operator previously managed with The History Channel in 2002. Lynn added: "We remain open to discussion with Telewest and have been working hard to resolve this issue and to get Nickelodeon back on air for our Telewest viewers."

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