Time Warner Will Keep NECN in Channel Lineup

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— A statement from U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey's office says Time Warner Cable has reversed its decision to cut New England Cable News from its package.

"Christmas has come early for the Berkshires with Time Warner's decision to continue carrying NECN in its channel lineup," said Markey. "NECN is a valuable source of information for Massachusetts and New England news and keeps the western part of the commonwealth connected to the larger region. I commend Time Warner for listening to its customers and reversing its decision."

The cable company had planned to end its carriage of NECN in the Berkshires by the end of the December but has been pressured by local and state officials keep the news network on. The Berkshires' presence in the Albany, N.Y., viewing area means NECN was one of the few outlets for news about Massachusetts and New England.

The Berkshire delegation called for help from U.S. Sens. Markey and Elizabeth Warren, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal in keeping the channel in the Time Warner lineup last Friday. The congressmen wrote to Time Warner urging it to keep NECN in its service in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts.

Markey, a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said he applauded the cable company's reversal.

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