MSNBC HD Now On FiOS TV Lineups In Cablevision Territories

Keith Olbermann is finally available in high-definition to FiOS TV customers in the New York suburbs.

Verizon announced Thursday that it added MSNBC HD to its FiOS TV lineup, available on channel 603, in northern New Jersey and Long Island. The telco added the standard-definition MSNBC feed to FiOS lineups in those areas earlier this month after Cablevision Systems lost its exclusive hold on terrestrial distribution of MSBNC in the New York metro area.

NBC Universal plans to deliver live curling coverage and other events on MSNBC from the Winter Olympic Games, which run Feb. 12-28.

"Delivering the content our customers want in high definition has always been a priority for Verizon, and making MSNBC HD available this month is no exception," said Terry Denson, Verizon vice president of content strategy and acquisition. "Our subscribers can now enjoy MSNBC's thought-provoking news and commentary -- all with the high-def experience that FiOS TV can deliver."

Last summer, Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal complained to Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski over Cablevision's exclusive terrestrial deal for MSNBC, which also prevented AT&T U-verse TV from carrying the service in areas that overlapped with the MSO's footprint.