LIU TO TIME WARNER: END THE BLACKOUT IMMEDIATELY
New York City Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement in response to Time Warner Cable’s (NYSE: TWC) decision to suspend retransmission of CBS (NYSE: CBS) stations including Showtime from cable systems in New York and other cities:
"The action yesterday on the part of Time Warner was regrettable and unnecessary. On behalf of the people of New York City, we ask that the blackout end immediately. In the meantime we expect that Time Warner will reimburse its customers completely for every hour that they are denied access to CBS programming and Showtime.
"Neither CBS nor Time Warner can be happy with the way these negotiations have progressed. I am asking both parties to call an immediate end to the name-calling and finger-pointing and begin to negotiate.
"I renew my offer to host or assist in facilitating a meeting of the parties in order to help resolve this dispute quickly and without further disruption of service."
Comptroller Liu sits on the New York City Franchise Concession and Review Committee, which authorizes the television franchise agreement between New York City and Time Warner Cable and provides TWC access to New York City customers.
Background
Liu to Time Warner and CBS: Don’t Let Another Blackout Happen
http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-08-144.shtm
Liu to Time Warner: No More Saber Rattling
http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-07-141.shtm
Liu to TWC/CBS: Take the Threat off the Table
http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-07-140.shtm
Liu to TWC/CBS: Come Together Now
http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-07-135.shtm
Video release of Comptroller Liu’s invitation to CBS and Time Warner Cable:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX1FYSssXPA&feature=youtu.be