The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco tweeted a paid video endorsement for Dish Network's Hopper on Wednesday (Feb 27). Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but CBS is the home of the hit show that Cuoco stars in and the television network is in litigation with Dish at the moment.
CBS and other networks, ABC, Fox and NBC are in legal dispute with Dish over a feature in its Hopper service. The networks argue that the format is a threat to existing ad-supported programming that keeps shows like the The Big Bang Theory alive.
The feature lets users watch primetime TV shows minus the commercials, and the networks aren't too comfortable with that.
"Amazing! Watching live TV anywhere on the #Hopper looks pretty awesome! Now where can I find a tiny beer? #ad https://t.co/WM2c80tuhk," said Kaley Cuoco in a tweet. The tweet resulted in thousands of customers inquiring about Dish's services.
As reported by The Wrap, Dish paid Cuoco for the tweet to be seen by her 1.2 million Twitter followers and it's not uncommon for companies to pay influential celebrities to tweet endorsements. The tweet has since been deleted from Cuoco's Twitter account and Dish let the accusations fly with claims that CBS demanded she delete the tweet.
"Clearly, with this kind of response, consumers have a true interest in the types of innovations the DISH Hopper offers. It's a shame that CBS, despite its legacy, feels it needs to thwart this kind of consumer demand," said Joe Clayton, Dish president and CEO in a press release.
Dish contends that CBS refused to play Dish's advertisements on its network and even forced its CNET brand to disqualify Dish's Hopper HD-DVR from its "Best of CES" awards program.
"It's disappointing that CBS — once the exemplar of editorial independence and innovation — continues to use its heavy hand to hold back progress from consumers," said Clayton.
Dish's move to commission Cuoco for the tweet appears to be a deliberate move on its part to taunt CBS. What better way to challenge the network than to have one of its own employees assist with its ad goals? Not a bad way to recoup some of those litigation fees either. Cuoco is set to host the 22nd Television Academy Hall of Fame induction ceremony on March 11, 2013.
