NEWS: Assemblyman Kevin Cahill - CAHILL URGES NEWS CORP AND CABLEVISION TO LEAVE VIEWERS OUT OF CONTRACT DISPUTE

World Series and NY Giants Broadcasts at Risk

(Kingston, NY) Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) is insisting that representatives from Cablevision Systems Corporation and News Corporation provide access to full programming for his constituents while they negotiate for a new contract. The current agreement between the two corporations expires today, and if no agreement is made, customers will be denied viewing privileges to WNYW and WWOR (NY channels 5 and 9) which are home to very popular fall sports line ups, including the World Series.

“New York fans should not have to suffer through a stand-off between two corporate giants while being robbed of the opportunity to watch the real Giants stifle opposing offenses or Derek Jeter take on Roy Halladay or Tim Lincecum,” said Kevin Cahill. “I hope News Corporation and Cablevision can settle their differences without dragging their paying viewers into the middle of their dispute.”

“The stakes for consumers are particularly high given that WNYW will air the National League Championship Series and then the World Series, where in all likelihood, the winner of the NLCS will be facing our New York Yankees,” Assemblymember Cahill said. “WNYW is also the carrier of many New York Giant games following the October 15, 2010 expiration. Whatever differences the parties have over price or terms, under no circumstances should the programming on WNYW and WWOR– and its exclusive sports broadcasts – be denied to New York fans.”

Cablevision and News Corp. have been in a battle over increased fee charges for this year – a hike from $70 million to $150 million – that in turn has led to a standoff between the two companies.

“Viewers deserve full access to the programming for which they have paid and expect to receive. In no way should they be forced to suffer on account of this dispute. New York fans are passionate about their sports teams and to prohibit their access to the biggest events of the season is just not fair,” said Assemblymember Cahill.

NEWS RELEASE: October 15, 2010