Food Network and HGTV Still Dark for Cablevision Subscribers

The disagreement that has largely been ignored thanks to the recent Fox/Time Warner spat continues into the first work day of 2010, as Scripps Networks still refuses to allow HGTV and the Food Network to be broadcast to Cablevision subscribers.  However, with the continued blackout, more information is becoming known about the disagreement over the contract renewal.

According to Cinncinnati.com, Scripps is demanding a 200% increase in the fees it desires, which is bringing the threat of increased monthly subscriber fees from Cablevision.  However, in an effort to smooth things over with its customers, Cablevision continues to announce that it is willing to broadcast the networks while negotiations are on-going, which Scripps is apparently unwilling to do (it is doing so with Time Warner, however).

Whatever the issue is, Scripps and Cablevision need to settle it soon or else there will be a number of Dish Network, DirecTV and Verizon FiOS commercials emphasizing that they still carry the popular networks.

On a personal level, my wife called Cablevision twice this weekend to see if she could get any answers about when the networks might be returned.  After waiting on hold for 25 minutes, the operator claimed to not hear her and hung up.  A second call went unanswered after 31 minutes.  Great customer service. 

At least our Optimum Rewards card finally came in the mail with information about free movie tickets on Tuesday…too bad there are no approved theaters within 25 miles of our house.