Subscribers of the DISH Network, who also happen to be fans of the New Jersey Devils, the New York Islanders, the
New York Knicks and/or the New York Rangers, woke up Friday morning to the realization they no longer had access to the MSG Network and MSG Plus as well as no idea when their sports viewing experience would be fully restored.
According to the New York Post, DISH Network Corporation, the second-largest United States satellite provider, and the Madison Square Garden Networks failed to reach an agreement before the October 1 expiration of their previous carriage contract. The impasse in negotiations occurred when the two sides could not come to terms on how much of an increase in fees would be paid to Madison Square Garden.
No new talks have been scheduled.
In the interim, MSG has encouraged DISH subscribers to switch to other cable or satellite companies for access to their favorite programming on MSG and MSG Plus.
Meanwhile, DISH has stated it will make ESPN Classic, NBA TV, NFL Network and other pay channels available at no extra charge to those affected by the blackout.
This is small consolation to the nearly 350,000 DISH subscribers in the Tri-State Area who have been looking forward to the start of a new season for their beloved basketball and hockey teams.
"We are disappointed with DISH's decision to drop MSG Network and MSG Plus. DISH has rejected numerous fair and reasonable proposals at rates, terms and conditions consistent with our deals with other operators," said Dan Ronayne, Executive Vice President and General Manager of MSG Networks. "Instead of negotiating for a new agreement, DISH has decided to deprive their customers of our award-winning networks and their favorite New York teams."
On the flip side of the coin, Dave Shull, Senior Vice President of Programming for DISH, had this to say: “These are really tough economic times and we have to make sure we have the flexibility with our customers to meet their needs and provide content at a reasonable price.”
Doesn’t this empty rhetoric between millionaires haggling over huge slices of a billion-dollar pie sound eerily similar to the ramblings of Charlie Brown’s school teacher in the Peanuts' television specials?
And if either side is looking for a sympathetic ear, it won’t find a single one among its loyal customers who are the real losers in this asinine dispute.
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DISH Network pulls plug on Devils, Islanders, Knicks and Rangers
10:48 AM
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