Spectrum and Optimum strike deal to restore and expand local news
Charter Communications' (NASDAQ: CHTR) Spectrum and Optimum Communications (NYSE: OPTU) announced an agreement to restore reciprocal carriage of Spectrum News NY1 and News 12 in the New York metropolitan area, with both channels set to return in September.
Under the agreement, Optimum TV customers in Texas and North Carolina will also gain access to Spectrum News local networks, with a launch timeline described as coming "soon." The deal expands local news availability for Optimum customers beyond the New York market.
As part of a separate advertising arrangement, Spectrum Reach will provide advertising sales representation for Optimum's West markets, covering approximately 30 Designated Market Areas across the central, southern, and western United States. The arrangement is intended to combine Optimum's local market relationships with Spectrum Reach's multiscreen advertising capabilities.
"Together, we're expanding access to trusted local journalism while creating even greater value for our customers," said Mike Bair, Executive Vice President of Spectrum Networks.
"This agreement reflects our continued focus on delivering the content and experiences our customers value most," said Keith Bowen, President of News, Programming & Business Services at Optimum.
Optimum serves approximately 4.2 million residential and business customers across 21 states. Spectrum's services are available to nearly 59 million homes and businesses in 41 states.
