With Time Warner Cable having pulled the plug on MSG Network to start the new year, the regional sports cable network is helping fill the void.

MSG Network is holding several viewing parties tonight, specifically geared to fans shut out by Time Warner Cable.

The Knicks/Bobcats game will be shown at Snap Bar, Village Pourhouse, and The Hill in Manhattan, and at Bootleg Mannings on Staten Island.

The viewing parties, which begin at 7:30 p.m., are free and open to the public.

Appetizers will be on the menu, and MSG Network will provide prizes and giveaways. Enhancing the experience, the Knicks City Dancers will make a special appearance.

In addition, event staff will be available to help Time Warner Cable customers find other television providers that are available in their neighborhoods.

Read more

As New Yorkers get ready to revel in the New Year, sports fans may be inclined to restrain their excitement. Time Warner Cable has threatened to pull the plug on MSG Networks, when its contract expires at midnight on December 31.

The timing could not be worse for the Knicks faithful, as the long-awaited NBA season kicks off on Christmas Day.

“We have been attempting to negotiate a new agreement with Time Warner Cable for close to two years, and are simply asking them to pay fair and reasonable rates that are consistent with what other providers pay for our programming – nothing more,” said Michael Bair, president, MSG Media. “Unfortunately, Time Warner Cable is not interested in reaching a fair agreement, and, in fact, is not interested in conducting productive negotiations on behalf of its customers.  Because of that, we suggest that our customers switch providers before Time Warner Cable pulls MSG’s networks off its systems.”

MSG Network is the exclusive local television outlet for the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils.

Time Warner Cable is the cable carrier for 1.2 million New York and New Jersey residents.

Read more