Tennis Channel Statement Regarding Reported Launch of Multiple System Operator Cablevision's MSG Varsity Network

Tennis Channel Statement Regarding Reported Launch of Multiple System Operator Cablevision's MSG Varsity Network

NEW YORK, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- We were surprised to read of Cablevision's announcement of the planned broad launch of MSG Varsity, a new sports network it wholly owns. If these reports prove true it would represent the second new network this top-five cable operator owns to which it has afforded nearly full distribution in recent weeks. Tennis Channel has negotiated for more than four years to bring the world's best tennis to a New York audience of that size, but Cablevision has awarded that opportunity to a nascent and untried concept simply because it owns the network. We at Tennis Channel certainly have great respect for high school sports as well. But with telecast rights to all four Grand Slams - including the US Open - among 70 other tournaments worldwide, thousands of hours of live HD coverage and ratings competitive with many of cable's biggest networks, it is disappointing that the sole criterion we lack for expanded carriage is ownership by Cablevision. Cablevision subscribers who enjoy tennis should insist on an explanation for how MSG Varsity, with no history of ratings or advertising commitments and a reported schedule of largely taped events, will receive widespread distribution to all of Cablevision's three-plus million customers while Cablevision insists that Tennis Channel be available only on a limited tier serving less than five percent of its total subscriber base.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Tennis Channel

CONTACT: Eric Abner, Tennis Channel, +1-310-314-9445,
eabner@tennischannel.com

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Profile: International Entertainment