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A judge granted Spike Lee's petition against Viacom that would allow the company to change "The New TNN" into "SpikeTV." Viacom announced the name change in April and scheduled the launch of "SpikeTV" for June 16, filled with major promotion of the new name. The judge granted the petition June 12, 2003, just four days from the launch date so a trial can be heard on the matter.

Lee says "SpikeTV" is an attempt to cash in on his name. The judge ordered him to pay a $500,000 bond to cover Viacom's monetary losses in case the company wins the suit.