Statements from Time Warner Cable, MSG

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Read the statements from Time Warner Cable and MSG regarding the ongoing contract dispute below. You can read the story regarding the dispute here.

Time Warner Cable statement from spokesman Matthew Tremblay:

"We have hundreds of employees who live here in WNY. We love our Sabres and we understand that sports costs are rising. We were close to an agreement for a 6.5% increase in the price we pay but MSG reneged on that offer a few weeks ago. We offered an extension at close to that rate until Sept 2012 so we could continue negotiating. MSG refused. We’ve given them multiple proposals, but at this time, they’re not actively engaged in anything other than a public battle.

We all have a responsibility to manage costs with a long-term view and to understand what consumers consider to be a reasonable value, and can afford. Unfortunately, MSG is not accepting that responsibility, and is instead passing along massive price increases that will end up in our customers’ bills. In these tough economic times, our customers have to stick to a budget, and so do we."

We all have a responsibility to manage costs with a long-term view and to understand what consumers consider to be a reasonable value, and can afford. Unfortunately, MSG is not accepting that responsibility, and is instead passing along massive price increases that will end up in our customers’ bills. In these tough economic times, our customers have to stick to a budget, and so do we."

MSG statement from spokesman Dan Schoenberg:

"Unfortunately, we have not had any recent, meaningful discussions with Time Warner Cable. They have rejected every one of our fair proposals for nearly two years, and are unwilling to value our programming in the same manner as other distributors or even engage in good faith negotiations on behalf of their customers. We are not going to participate in unproductive public rhetoric.

The Sabres are always at the top of the league in local ratings, and early ratings have already shown tremendous enthusiasm for the Knicks. There are passionate fan bases for the Rangers, Islanders and Devils as well. Given the approaching deadline of December 31, we continue to urge fans to find alternate providers so they won’t miss their favorite teams."