NEW YORK–( BUSINESS WIRE )–Optimum today provides an update on its transition to MSG Networks (NYSE:).
background:
Optimum and MSG Networks' carriage agreement expired at midnight on December 31, 2024.
For weeks, the companies negotiated to continue transportation on optimal systems. During negotiations, MSG Networks demanded exorbitant programming fees and required Optimum to make MSG's channels available to the vast majority of video subscribers, whether they wanted the content or not. This all-or-nothing approach can drive up their cable bills while forcing the majority of our customers to pay for content they don't watch.
Optimum cares about its customers and works on their behalf to reach a fair deal and bring our customers choice and value. Unfortunately, MSG Networks didn't budge, and their content was removed from the Optimum TV lineup.
Optimum issues the following statement:
At Optimum, we have a clear mission: to provide the programming our customers want and give it to them at an affordable price. Problem: MSG Networks asked us to pay an exorbitant amount in fees to be able to stream their content And that customers who don't want the content (the majority) have to pay for it anyway. Now more than ever, especially in this economy, it's unfair for MSG Networks to ask for more money from Optimum viewers, especially when there are ways for fans to get games directly from MSG through other direct-to-consumer options.
However, Optimum has offered to accommodate their exorbitant price demands if we can package MSG Networks in a way that provides more flexibility and control to our customers, so that fans can continue to watch and pay for their content while non-viewers cannot. They are forced to pay for what they do not watch. MSG Networks has declined and rejected multiple offers from us to reach an agreement.
It's no secret that regional sports networks' viewership has become increasingly fragmented across myriad streaming platforms and services. However, MSG Networks continues to pressure its viewers to get more money to watch its content, and refuses to evolve or deviate from a broken, outdated model based on the evolution of the entertainment industry, which is anti-consumer, and unsustainable in today's programming landscape.
Optimum wants to partner with programmers who put customer choice and flexibility at the heart of every decision. We're disappointed with MSG Networks, but more importantly, we're sorry that our customers have to experience this change, which is why Optimum is working directly with customers to provide alternative viewing options to ensure they never miss a game.
Customers can call us at 888-347-4784, chat with us, or visit us www.optimum.com/MSG To learn more about the solutions and options available to them so they can continue watching their favorite teams.
Customers can also learn more about our state-of-the-art video solutions by clicking here.
About optimization
Optimum is a brand of Altice USA, one of the largest providers of broadband communications and video services in the United States, providing broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to approximately 4.6 million individual and business customers across 21 states. The company operates Optimum Media, an advanced advertising and data company, providing audience-driven multi-screen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also delivers superior local and international news through the News 12 and i24NEWS networks.
View source version on Businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241231499598/en/
Media:
Stephen Stokes
(917) 553-0667
stephen.stokes@optimum.com
Source: Altice USA
