CBS and Time Warner play brinksmanship games

CBS remains dark on the Time Warner Cable lineup in Los Angeles, New York and Dallas. Both sides reported Thursday they are back in negotiations.

Negotiations have stalled in a very public way between Time Warner Cable and CBS in their contract dispute. As of Friday, Time Warner blacked out CBS and all its affiliated channels in large markets including Los Angeles, New York and Dallas.

Negotiations have stalled in a very public way between Time Warner Cable and CBS in their contract dispute. As of Friday, Time Warner blacked out CBS and all its affiliated channels in large markets including Los Angeles, New York and Dallas. It alleges the network is demanding huge fees for its programming - 600% of what the cable operator pays in retransmission fees to independent CBS affiliates elsewhere, according to Variety. CBS argues it is underpaid relative to its fanbase.

Which party has the greatest leverage? Does TW Cable have to dig in its heels to avoid fighting similar battles with other networks? Why have the negotiations become so hostile - with CBS characterizing TWC as "combative?"

Guest:

Alex Ben Block, Senior Editor, The Hollywood Reporter