The ongoing carriage dispute between MSG Networks and Optimum has now drawn the ire of New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Since MSG Networks went dark on January 1 due to a disagreement with Optimum’s parent company, Altice USA, fans in the New York area of teams like the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils have been left without access to their favorite games.
In a statement on Monday, Hochul condemned the blackout as “unconscionable,” urging the Department of Public Service to step in for consumers. “New Yorkers are proud sports fanatics, and blocking Knicks, Rangers, and Islanders fans from watching programming they’ve paid for is simply unconscionable,” Hochul stated. “Denying fans access to live sports due to a ridiculous dispute is unfair to New Yorkers, and our patience has expired. It’s time for both sides to negotiate a resolution for the benefit of New Yorkers. Enough is enough!”
This conflict has reached a particularly contentious stage, with MSG Networks alleging that Altice has walked away from negotiations. When MSG proposed arbitration as a temporary fix, Optimum dismissed it as “nothing more than a PR stunt.” Hochul has directed the Department of Public Service to ensure that customers receive either alternative methods to view games or pro rata refunds during the dispute. The DPS has requested Altice outline the steps it plans to take to protect customers.
For now, Optimum customers can find an alternative to view games through MSG Networks’ direct-to-consumer streaming service, MSG+, which costs $30 per month. Optimum has offered assistance to help offset the costs of an MSG+ subscription.
Hochul is not the only public figure addressing this issue; the attorneys general of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey also called for a resolution and refunds for customers who’ve been cut off from access. “New York sports fans are being put in the penalty box, forced to shell out their hard-earned money for channels they cannot even watch,” stated New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Hochul’s statement included a message from Department of Public Service CEO and Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian, who noted, “Governor Hochul is voicing the frustrations of New York sports fans who deserve a refund for services they cannot access, or at least cost-neutral alternatives. The Department of Public Service will work diligently to ensure that cable companies protect their customers.”
