Comcast Takes Ownership of NECN

PHILADELPHIA/NEW YORK: Comcast has purchased from Hearst its 50-percent interest in New England Cable News (NECN), a 24-hour news network servicing 3 million subscribers in some 1,120 cities and towns in all six New England states.

Comcast’s regional programming operations now include three news and entertainment networks and ten regional sports networks, including Comcast SportsNet New England. For NECN, the transaction represents the first consolidated ownership and management since the network launched in 1992 as a JV between Hearst and Comcast’s predecessor cable operators in New England.

"NECN is one of the leading sources for New England news and one of the most recognized regional cable networks in the nation, which makes it an attractive business operation," said Jon Litner, the president of Comcast Sports Group. "We value NECN’s strong connection with New England viewers, and in combination with Comcast SportsNet New England, NECN will strengthen Comcast’s position as the leading source for news, sports and entertainment in New England."

Litner also announced that Bill Bridgen, the executive vice president and general manager of Comcast SportsNet New England, will oversee the management responsibilities of both networks. He will replace Charles J. Kravetz, who has served as NECN’s president and general manager since March 2008.