Lee Settles 'Spike' Suit With Viacom

Director Drops Suit Opposing Network Name Change

(CBS MarketWatch)  Viacom's TNN cable channel will get the macho revamping the company had envisioned, after filmmaker Spike Lee on Monday settled the lawsuit he had filed against Viacom over the company's plan to rename the network "Spike TV."

Details of the settlement were not disclosed.

Lee had obtained an injunction last month blocking the name change, claiming that the proposed name was an attempt to exploit his image and reputation without his permission. A California Supreme Court judge lifted that order on Monday.

TNN, formerly known as The National Network and The Nashville Network, has struggled to find a niche in the increasingly fragmented cable landscape.
Viacom says the rebranding, including the new name, is designed to appeal to young males.

In addition to reruns of programs such as "The A-Team"
and "Miami Vice," the network is set to premiere "Stripperella," an animated series featuring the voice and likeness of former "Baywatch" star Pamela Anderson.

Viacom is a significant shareholder in MarketWatch.com, and owner of CBSNews.com.