New York Rangers fans hopeful following recent report regarding MSG Networks returning
Photo credit: New York Post
The Four Nations Face-Off will give teams a chance to reassess their situation. One of those situations could involve the local New York government restoring service for Rangers fans everywhere. Could they force Altice's hand?
The NHL will not be seen for some time as the Four Nations Face-Off is slated to begin on February 12th and finish on the 20th.
During that timeframe, GMs should focus on optimizing their lineups and making calls ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
In the meantime, there's hope that the local New York government could find a way to push Altice to restore service and end their dispute with MSG Networks.
It also gives MSG Networks and Altice USA/Optimum more than enough time to end their contract disputes before the New York Islanders (Feb. 23 vs. Dallas), New York Rangers (Feb. 22 vs. Buffalo) and New Jersey Devils (Feb. 22 vs. Dallas) return to action.
Rangers and Knicks fans have been unable to watch their favorite teams since January 1st.
Now, we're inching closer to March and neither side has worked in good faith to resolve the issue it seems.
Attorney generals and congresspeople have decided to intervene in order to make sure both sides reach a consensus, but it seems to have failed.
Now, Governor Kathryn Hochul has decided to put her thumb on the scale.
«New Yorkers are proud sports fanatics, and blocking Knicks, Rangers and Islanders fans from watching programming they've paid to watch is simply unconscionable,» Governor Hochul said. «Denying fans access to live sports because of a ridiculous dispute between Optimum and MSG is unfair to New Yorkers and our patience has expired. This has gone on for long enough - it's time for both sides to get back to the negotiating table and resolve this for the good of New Yorkers. Enough is enough!»
Per the press release:
"Governor Hochul is urging the companies to resolve this dispute as soon as possible. As the contract negotiations continue, more customers are becoming aware of the lapse in certain programming and understandably have questions about their options and refunds. The Governor's directive to the Department of Public Service (DPS) is to demand that all customers are either provided with alternative means to view the games of the affected New York sports or be provided with a pro rata refund. Today DPS sent a letter to Altice, Optimum's parent company, as part of their efforts to hold the company accountable to protect the customers who have been affected by the lapse in MSG programming.
To hold Optimum accountable, DPS is requiring a response to the letter within five days detailing the specific steps the company will take to ensure customers are held harmless during the dispute. If Altice fails to provide a satisfactory plan, DPS will initiate public hearings where the company will be required to publicly explain how it is protecting affected customers as part of the Department's ongoing review of the matter."
"Governor Hochul is urging the companies to resolve this dispute as soon as possible. As the contract negotiations continue, more customers are becoming aware of the lapse in certain programming and understandably have questions about their options and refunds. The Governor's directive to the Department of Public Service (DPS) is to demand that all customers are either provided with alternative means to view the games of the affected New York sports or be provided with a pro rata refund. Today DPS sent a letter to Altice, Optimum's parent company, as part of their efforts to hold the company accountable to protect the customers who have been affected by the lapse in MSG programming.
To hold Optimum accountable, DPS is requiring a response to the letter within five days detailing the specific steps the company will take to ensure customers are held harmless during the dispute. If Altice fails to provide a satisfactory plan, DPS will initiate public hearings where the company will be required to publicly explain how it is protecting affected customers as part of the Department's ongoing review of the matter."
Hard-working sports fans have been deprived of a product that they've supported for years.
Rangers fans haven't been alone in their alienation from a product, and a network they've remained faithful to.
Now, as the local government steps in, MSG Networks has issued a statement.
"We applaud Governor Hochul's engagement and ensuring local sports fans have access to MSG Networks' programming.»
«We remain ready to negotiate with Optimum or enter binding arbitration to immediately bring our games back on the air.»
«We remain ready to negotiate with Optimum or enter binding arbitration to immediately bring our games back on the air.»
Could the dispute find a resolution soon?
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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