Cablevision Systems has lost its exclusive hold on terrestrial distribution of MSBNC in the New York metro area, with Verizon set to add the news channel to FiOS TV lineup for subscribers in the area starting next week.
MSNBC will be available on FiOS TV channel 103 in New York on Feb. 2 and in New Jersey by Feb. 11. Initially, Verizon will carry only the standard-definition version of MSNBC, with the HD version "to come later," said spokeswoman Heather Wilner.
Under previous contract, Cablevision had exclusive terrestrial rights to carry MSNBC throughout the entire New York metropolitan area, including parts of New Jersey, Long Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties.
"We're excited to add MSNBC to the FiOS TV lineup for all of our metropolitan-area subscribers," said Terry Denson, Verizon's vice president of content strategy and acquisition. "Now these subscribers can enjoy some of the most thought-provoking news and commentary available, delivered over Verizon's advanced all-fiber network."
MSNBC president Phil Griffin commented, "Launching on Verizon FiOS TV in the broader New York area could not come at a better time. MSNBC has established itself as ‘The Place for Politics,' achieving historic ratings success, and we look forward to being widely available in the nation's No. 1 TV market."
