Grisanti Co-Sponsors Bill to Block Cable Blackouts

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) State Senator Mark Grisanti is co-sponsoring a bill that would put an end to cable blackouts. He calls for required negotiations of fair terms between cable TV franchises and competing independent cable channels.

This is in light of the Time Warner/MSG dispute, now in its second month, with cable subscribers being shut out of Sabres coverage here in Buffalo.

“In Western New York we are not able watch Buffalo Sabres hockey games on television if you have Time Warner Cable due to these unfair negotiations,” said Senator Grisanti. “Since terms cannot be reached we want the public service commission to amend the law so that the parties must conduct an arbitration. It is essential we take the lead on this issue,” said Senator Grisanti. In the State of New York we need to negotiate fairly so we do not leave viewers in the dark. By requiring arbitration, this will ensure these negotiations are done in a fair and timely manner so that all parties come out successful.”