Cablevision Vice Chair Talks Consolidation, "Cord Cutter" Packages

Cablevision Systems CEO James Dolan recently touted the benefits of possible consolidation of cable operators in New York, but vice chairman Gregg Seibert said that was unlikely over the near term. He reiterated his CEO's recent comments on his "desire to ultimately see the New York market come together in some manner," calling the consolidation of individual markets "one of the great opportunities" in the sector as it would help "rationalize" it further. But Seibert added: "Perhaps there is some opportunity in the future for the cable industry to rationalize further in certain markets...That feels to me like it’s a ways away."

"While it is an "interesting opportunity" for the industry, "I don’t see it as a today or tomorrow opportunity," he said. Asked about Charter Communications' deal for Time Warner Cable and whether Cablevision could be part of dealmaking, the vice chair said the company was focused on operating "our business as well as we can operate it," introducing new and innovative products, giving consumers what they want and maximizing long-term shareholder value. He said consolidation can help there. "It is encouraging to see a new entrant coming into the New York market," he said about Charter's deal for TW Cable. "We have emphasized Wi-Fi for a number of years." He added that the deal gives Cablevision "a degree of optimism that there will be more Wi-Fi build-out" in the market and beyond, which he argued would be good for consumers and industry.