MSG to Air NHL Sabres Game On NBC Affiliates in Buffalo, Rochester
Stations To Air Feb. 11 Sabres-Lightning as RSN's License Fee Dispute Continues with Time Warner Cable
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 2/6/2012 2:05:52 PM
In the latest shot in its license fee battle with Time Warner Cable, MSG Networks and the Buffalo Sabres will make the National Hockey League team's Feb. 11 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning available on local stations in the club's home market and Rochester, N.Y.
MSG's coverage of the Feb. 11 Sabres-Lightning game will be simulcast on NBC affiliates WRGZ-TV, channel 2 in Buffalo and WHEC-TV, channel 10 in Rochester. The RSN and the stations are airing the games through an ad-sharing arrangement, according to an official at MSG. The stations are owned by Gannett Co. and Hubbard Broadcasting, respectively.
The move comes as MSG and sister service MSG + Plus remain dark on Time Warner Cable systems in New York state, where the nation's No. 2 cable operator counts some 2.3 million subscribers. The RSNs pulled their signals on Jan. 1, when the parties' contract expired and they could not reach a license-fee renewal.
MSG's coverage of the Sabres ranks at the top of the RSN standings for NHL telecasts.
"We are pleased that we have been able to work with WGRZ-TV, WHEC-TV and the Sabres to deliver this game to Sabres fans, who are among the most loyal and passionate in the NHL," said Dan Ronayne, executive vice president and general manager, MSG Networks, in a statement. "It is extremely unfortunate that the fans have been caught in the middle of this dispute and we continue to urge them to switch TV providers so they don't miss any additional games."
Noted Jim Toellner, president and general manager, WGRZ-TV. "2 On Your Side is thrilled to work with the Sabres and MSG to bring all of Western New York and Southern Ontario this game on Saturday night," said Jim Toellner, president and general manager, WGRZ-TV. "We all know that Sabres fans truly make this town ‘hockey heaven' and we are excited to facilitate this event as the team fights for the playoffs."
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