19% Will Switch If Cablevision, Fox Fight Continues Next Week

In analyzing the ongoing bitter battle between Cablevision and Fox, a quick survey from media analyst Richard Greenfield reveals that consumers essentially blamed both companies equally for their ongoing negotiation battle. 28% of those surveyed (285 respondents) say Cablevision is to blame, while 25% point the finger at Fox. Another 47% blame both companies equally.

Greenfield says the media investment community is shocked this public battle has gone on as long as it has -- and believes Fox will ultimately prevail, in part, because the Federal Communications Commission lacks the power to intervene. There hasn't been much movement as far as subscribers leaving Cablevision -- perhaps 1% or less. They are mostly going to Verizon FIOS, some to DirecTV. But if nothing changes by next week, results from the survey suggests the floodgates will open -- 19% of Cablevision subscribers will bolt and a whopping 37% by the end of the month. What's holding subscribers back from make a quicker decision? 64% say they don't want the hassle of switching to another service; 17% say it's the value of the "triple play" bundle of services offered -- video, phone and Internet. Finally, 14% believe Cablevision is making the right decision in trying to keep prices down; another 5% say they don't watch the Fox network.

What do Cablevision's 3 million New York area cable consumers miss the most? With the World Series now underway, 36% of consumers say its the Major League Baseball playoffs; 33% mentioned the NFL; 10% say it's missing "Glee"; 7% point to missing "House"; and 4% say it's the local news.