Washington, D.C.--The settlement between the Scripps Networks Interactive and Cablevision is welcome news. A number of my constituents have told me that they were upset that they were caught in the middle of an economic dispute that left them unable to watch these channels. As a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has oversight on cable television, I had a keen interest in this dispute.

Although there were strong disagreements on both sides, the parties were able to reach an arrangement and the programming will continue, starting immediately. These channels offer programs that are popular and valuable to many of my constituents, as well as over 3 million Cablevision subscribers, something that should not be forgotten by both parties. They have an obligation to their viewers which is at least as significant as to their stockholders.

I congratulate them for finally settling this dispute and remind them that their obligation to the viewing public must keep them from directly involving the public in any future disputes.