Cablevision and NBCUniversal sign distribution deal
Cablevision Systems Corp. has signed a long-term distribution deal to carry broadcast and cable networks owned by Comcast’s NBCUniversal unit.
The agreement includes broadcast networks NBC and Telemundo as well as cable channels USA, Bravo, MSNBC, CNBC and NBC Sports Network. Cablevision has more than 3 million subscribers, primarily in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
The NBCUniversal accord is Cablevision’s third in recent months with a major content supplier. It has also signed agreements with CBS and Walt Disney Co. All the deals were reached without customers losing any signals, which often happens during these negotiations, including when Cablevision and News Corp. had a particularly nasty feud a few years ago.
For NBC, beefing up its revenue from distribution of its NBC network is key.
-- Joe Flint, Los Angeles Times