Maziarz decries latest 'ploy' by CBS in dispute with Time Warner Cable

State Sen. George Maziarz released the following statement Wednesday:

"Recently, a commercial dispute between CBS and Time Warner Cable subjected TWC customers in the downstate region to blackouts of CBS television programming. Now, in order to gain an advantage in negotiations between the two companies, CBS is holding all TWC customers across New York hostage.

"It has come to my attention that CBS is blocking TWC Internet customers both downstate and upstate, including my district, from accessing full shows on CBS.com, even if they can still watch CBS programming through their local affiliate. CBS is also blocking that contact for residents who are TWC Internet customers, who use a different provider for television such as satellite TV.

"Attempting to use Internet access as leverage in the negotiations unfairly places residents throughout this state at a disadvantage, especially when they have nothing to do with the disagreement. These actions are contrary to public interest and fair broadband policies.

"I am hopeful that CBS will rethink their latest ploy that unjustly targets consumers in Western New York and across this state."