AT&T Inc.'s DIRECTV and Viacom Inc. signed a new carriage deal to avoid a potential blackout of Viacom networks on multiple AT&T platforms and products, including DIRECTV, Watch TV and U-verse, Variety reported March 25, citing a joint statement by the companies.

In an internal memo, Viacom CEO Bob Bakish said the programmer plans to announce additional details of the expanded partnership between the companies in the coming weeks.

Viacom's previous contract, which covered networks including Nickelodeon/Nick At Nite (US), Comedy Central (US) and MTV (US), expired 12 a.m. ET on March 22.