NY and CT Attorneys General and Bipartisan Elected Officials: Altice USA, Restore MSG Networks Now!

As the carriage dispute between Altice USA and MSG Networks drags on, leaving Optimum subscribers without access to popular sports content, attorneys general from New York and Connecticut, along with several bipartisan elected officials, have united to urge Altice USA to restore MSG Networks to its lineup. The blackout, which began on January 1, 2025, has affected millions of viewers, including fans of the New York Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils.

The attorneys general and elected officials have proposed several measures to resolve the dispute, including negotiation and mediation, intervention by regulatory bodies, legislative action, and stronger consumer protection. These proposals aim to address the key sticking points in the negotiations, such as cost, packaging flexibility, and viewership trends, and find a mutually beneficial compromise for both parties.

Altice USA and MSG Networks have been engaged in negotiations for months, but the deadline for a new agreement passed on December 31, 2024, with no resolution in sight. The blackout has left subscribers frustrated and potentially considering alternative providers that offer MSG Networks. Additionally, Altice USA may increase prices to compensate for the loss of revenue from not carrying MSG Networks, further exacerbating subscriber dissatisfaction and potential churn.

To mitigate potential churn and maintain customer satisfaction, Altice USA can employ several strategies, such as negotiating a new carriage deal with MSG Networks, offering alternative sports content, improving customer communication, providing promotional offers or discounts, and focusing on the strengths of its other services.

The attorneys general and elected officials have emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute promptly, as the blackout has a significant impact on consumers and the regional sports landscape. By working together, Altice USA and MSG Networks can find a mutually beneficial compromise that addresses the key sticking points in their negotiations and provides a better experience for their customers.

In conclusion, the blackout of MSG Networks on Altice USA's Optimum-branded pay TV offerings has affected millions of subscribers, particularly sports fans who rely on MSG for Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils games. Attorneys general from New York and Connecticut, along with several bipartisan elected officials, have united to urge Altice USA to restore MSG Networks to its lineup. By working together and considering the proposed measures, Altice USA and MSG Networks can find a mutually beneficial compromise that addresses the key sticking points in their negotiations and provides a better experience for their customers.