Kathy Hochul threatens to haul Optimum, execs to Albany over MSG dispute

New York Gov.Kathy Hochul is threatening to haul Optimum cable and its parent company Altice before her administration over its “ridiculous dispute” with Madison Square Garden Networks that has kept a million households blacked out from watching Tri-State area sports teams for more than a month.Hochul on Monday voiced frustration over the ongoing dispute between MSG Networks and Optimum TV, which has left subscribers without access to major sports programming since Jan.

1.The governor directed the Department of Public Service to intervene, ensuring consumers are treated fairly.“Enough is enough!” Hochul wrote in a news release first obtained by Newsday.According to Hochul, the DPS sent a formal request to Altice demanding a response outlining a plan to resolve the matter within five days.If the dispute isn’t resolved within that time period, Hochul warned that public hearings would be scheduled.The blackout began at 12:01 a.m.

on New Year’s Day when Altice removed MSG Networks from Optimum TV.Since then, negotiations over a new carriage agreement have stalled, leaving fans unable to watch New York Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils games.“New Yorkers are proud sports fanatics, and blocking Knicks, Rangers, and Islanders fans from watching programming they’ve paid to watch is simply unconscionable,” 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!”A spokesperson for MSG welcomed Hochul’s statement, telling The Post: “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.”The Post has sought comment...