Senators to Verizon: Reopen talks with RNN over Fios1 News

Fifteen New York state senators, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the chair of the powerful committee on energy and telecommunications, sent a letter asking Verizon to reconsider its decision to walk away from RNN when its contract to produce hyperlocal news for Fios1 News expires in November.

The letter, sent Aug. 21 to Anthony Lewis, Verizon's regional president, jumbled the name of the hyperlocal network, calling it Fios News1, not Fios1 News.

But the senators' sentiment is clear: They want Verizon to return to the bargaining table to protect imperiled 150 jobs and to keep a local-news voice alive.

It opens: "We write to express our concern over the termination of your contract with Rye Brook's RNN network to produce and broadcast Fios News1."

In keeping with state labor law, RNN, based in Rye Brook, had to alert its 150 employees on Aug. 17 that its contract with Verizon was not being renewed. Elected officials, from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, took to Twitter, railing at the telecom giant for abandoning hyper-local news.

Days later, the governmental affairs boss for Verizon in New York and Connecticut, vowed that Verizon isn't leaving hyper-local. Spokesman Tony McNary said the company would announce its next move by mid-September.

Twitter is one thing; a letter signed by 15 senators, including the head of the powerful regulating committee, is another.

The letter was signed by senators from across the Hudson Valley and Long Island. There is, in the subtext of one line, a legislative reminder that Verizon faces state regulation.

"As a telecommunications company who operates through a state franchise license, it is critical that Verizon considers the public interest in all business decisions," reads the letter, which is co-signed by Sen. Kevin Parker, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, from Brooklyn.

"We ask that you return to the bargaining table in the hopes of negotiating a fair contract extension that continues to provide New Yorkers with access to high-quality local news in the communities you serve," the letter continued.

It went on to link a lack of local reporting to low voter turnout.

"The loss of Fios News1’s local cable news coverage would further impede the public’s ability to be informed on local and regional matters."

The letter was also signed by:

• Sen. Jamaal Bailey
• Sen. Alessandra Biaggi
• Sen. John Brooks
• Sen. David Carlucci
• Sen. James Gaughran
• Sen. Pete Harckham
• Sen. Anna Kaplan
• Sen. Todd Kaminsky
• Sen. Shelley Mayer
• Sen. Monica Martinez
• Sen. Jennifer Metzger
• Sen. James Skoufis
• Sen. Kevin Thomas

It closes: "We firmly believe that continuation of quality local news coverage is in the best interest both of Verizon and of the communities you serve. It is critical that Verizon maintain high-quality local news services through Fios News1, and we ask that you align your conduct to ensure this goal is met."

Verizon spokesman McNary, reached for comment, said he had none.