Optimum, MSG Battle Over Fees to Keep Sports on TV

Will ⁣Knicks, Devils, and rangers Fans Lose Optimum ⁣TV Access?

New Year’s Eve might bring more than ⁢just fireworks and festivities ‍for Knicks,⁣ Devils, and Rangers fans who subscribe to Optimum TV. A dispute‍ between Optimum ​and ‌MSG⁤ Networks over programming fees‍ coudl result in the​ blackout ⁢of these local sports teams’ games starting⁤ at midnight on december 31st. Optimum, affiliated with⁤ News 12, accuses ​MSG⁤ Networks of demanding “exorbitant programming fees”⁤ that would inevitably lead to increased ‌cable‌ bills for​ viewers. Optimum asserts that MSG Networks⁢ is pushing for their channels to be included in ​the ⁣majority of Optimum video packages, ⁤forcing ​customers to​ pay for content they may not even want. In a statement,Optimum emphasized its commitment to “giving⁤ customers the programming they want at‌ a price they can afford.” ⁣The company highlighted that MSG Networks’ “all-or-nothing” approach is ​unsustainable and ‍outdated, especially in the era of streaming services and diverse viewing‍ platforms. Optimum stresses its dedication‍ to ​affordable⁤ options, stating, “We will⁣ always‌ prioritize providing affordable, flexible options first and,‌ in a world full of​ subscriptions, customers deserve to access the games they ‌love ⁢without overpaying.” Optimum ​calls on MSG Networks ⁢to abandon “scare tactics” and​ engage in⁣ “responsible, customer-friendly negotiations” to avert a service interruption. Simultaneously occurring, Optimum encourages its customers to contact them directly for information ​on alternative viewing‌ options shoudl the‍ dispute remain unresolved.⁢ “We’re ‍fans first:⁢ we love our⁤ local sports teams, and we’ll continue to fight on our customers’ behalf ​to keep costs down and bring them the programming‌ that they want to watch, all at a fair price ⁢and⁢ value,” ‌Optimum concluded in its statement.
## Will Knicks, Devils, and​ Rangers⁣ Fans Lose Optimum TV Access?



**Archyde:** As we head into the New Year, a major disruption looms for Tri-State sports fans. Optimum and MSG Networks are locked ‍in a dispute that could see ⁣Knicks, Devils, ⁢and Rangers games vanished from Optimum TV starting midnight ⁣on December ‌31st. Optimum accuses MSG⁣ Networks of‍ demanding exorbitant fees, threatening higher ‍cable bills for viewers. Joining us today ⁣to discuss this issue is [Alex Reed Name], [Alex Reed Title]. Thank ⁣you for joining us.



**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.



**Archyde:** So, let’s dive right⁤ in. Optimum claims MSG’s “all-or-nothing” approach is unsustainable ‌in today’s media‌ landscape filled with⁣ streaming⁤ alternatives. What’s your take on this?



**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed response].



**Archyde:** Optimum emphasizes their commitment to providing affordable options for customers. ⁢They says they’re‍ prioritizing consumers who may not want to pay for sports ⁢packages they don’t watch.Do you think‌ this is a fair stance, given ‌the popularity of these local⁢ teams?



**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed response].



**Archyde:** MSG Networks ⁣has yet ⁣to publicly ‍respond to Optimum’s statements. If a resolution​ isn’t reached,‌ Optimum encourages its customers to contact them for choice viewing options. What are ⁤some of those options for fans who may be‍ affected by ⁢this blackout?



**Alex Reed:**⁤ [Alex Reed response].



**Archyde:** This entire ⁢situation raises a larger question about the future of sports broadcasting. As cable cord-cutting continues and streaming services become more prevalent, how do you see ‍these contract disputes playing out in the years to ⁢come?



**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed response].





**Archyde:** This is a situation that could leave many Knicks, Devils, and Rangers fans in the lurch. What message would you⁢ like to offer to those fans who are worried about losing access to ⁢their favorite teams’ games?



**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed response].



**Archyde:** ⁣We’ll be ⁣closely monitoring this situation as it develops.We want ⁢to hear ⁢from you too, viewers. Do you‌ believe Optimum is taking the‌ right stance in this dispute, or are⁣ MSG Networks justified in demanding higher fees? Let‍ us ⁢know your thoughts in the comments below.

## could Knicks, Devils, and Rangers Fans Lose Optimum TV Access?



** denk:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today, we’re discussing the looming potential blackout of MSG Networks channels for Optimum TV subscribers. joining me today is [Alex Reed name and title, e.g., John Smith, Media Analyst]. Welcome, John.



**John:** Thanks for having me.



** denk:** so, John, as New Year’s Eve approaches, many Knicks, Devils, and Rangers fans are worried about losing access to their favorite teams’ games on Optimum TV. Can you shed some light on the situation?



**John:** Absolutely. there’s a dispute brewing between Optimum and MSG Networks regarding programming fees. Essentially, MSG Networks is seeking higher fees from Optimum to carry their channels, [Cite [1](https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r33997825-Losing-MSG)]. Optimum claims these fees are exorbitant and would inevitably lead to higher cable bills for viewers.



** denk:** So,what’s at stake here?



**John:** At stake is the ability for Optimum customers to watch their local sports teams’ games. If the two sides can’t reach an agreement, MSG Networks could be blacked out on Optimum starting at midnight on December 31st.[Cite [1](https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r33997825-Losing-MSG)].



** denk:** What is Optimum’s position on this?







**John:** Optimum argues that MSG Networks’ approach is outdated, demanding their channels be included in most Optimum packages, forcing customers to pay for content they may not want. They emphasize their commitment to affordable options and promise to provide alternative viewing solutions to customers if a deal isn’t reached. [Cite provided text].



** Denk:** Has there been any indication from MSG Networks on their willingness to negotiate?



**John**: Optimum is calling on MSG Networks to abandon what they deem “scare tactics” and engage in responsible negotiations. It remains to be seen how MSG Networks will respond to these calls.



** denk:** This situation is certainly causing anxiety for many sports fans. what advice would you give them right now?



**John:** The best advice is to stay informed. Keep an eye on news updates from both Optimum and MSG Networks. Visit Optimum’s website for information on potential alternative viewing options should the blackout occur.



** denk:** John, thank you so much for your insights on this developing situation. We’ll continue to follow this story closely and update our viewers as new information becomes available.



**John:** My pleasure.