In N.Y., Bob Raissman reports Cablevision’s approximately three million Optimum subscribers "received notices in billing statements that their sports TV surcharge will increase next month." The message said, "Due to increasing programming costs, you will see some changes beginning with your January 2015 billing statement. The monthly Sports and Broadcast TV Surcharge will increase from $4.98 to $5.98.” The increase "amounts to" $3M a month and $36M a year. But the Knicks are "the centerpiece" of MSG Network, and "are close to being officially unwatchable." MSG Chair James Dolan "should be offering rebates to his cable customers rather than looking to squeeze another dollar per month out of them." The company has stated the "high price of sports programming represents one-third of Cablevision’s programming costs" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/19).
POWER PLAY: In L.A., Helene Elliott notes the on-ice success of the Kings and the Ducks has translated into increased local ratings "for both teams this season." FS West is averaging a 0.51 local rating on FS West for Kings games to date, "up 46% compared to the same number of games last season." Meanwhile, FS Prime Ticket is averaging a 0.28 local rating for Ducks games, "up 56%" (L.A. TIMES, 12/19).
