For more than 40 years, MSG Networks has been a pioneer in regional sports television, setting a standard of excellence, creativity and technological innovation. Beginning with its debut of the first regional sports network in the country in 1969, MSG Networks has been at the forefront of the industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of regional television. In the process, it has become a powerful platform for some of the world’s greatest performers, athletes and entertainers, capturing indelible moments that have inspired generations. In 1998, MSG Networks became the first regular provider of sports coverage in high-definition television, producing all Knicks and Rangers home games in that emerging format. This was followed in 2010 with MSG Networks becoming the first in the country to offer home viewers a live 3D sports telecast with a Rangers-Islanders matchup from Madison Square Garden. In 2014, MSG Networks debuted a brand new state-of-the-art studio that serves as the home of much of MSG Networks’ live programming and it introduced MSG GO, a mobile and broadband service enabling MSG Networks subscribers of participating providers to have access to Knicks games and other MSG Networks programming outside of their homes on smartphones, tablets and computers
MSG Networks is home to 10 professional sports teams, delivering live games of the New York Knicks; New York Rangers; New York Islanders; New Jersey Devils; Buffalo Sabres; New York Liberty; New York Red Bulls and the Westchester Knicks, as well as coverage of the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. The networks feature several celebrated national broadcasters among their accomplished roster, including Mike Breen; Sam Rosen; Joe Micheletti; Al Trautwig, and Kenny Albert. The gold standard for regional broadcasting, over the past nine years, MSG Network has won 126 New York Emmy Awards, more than any single network or station in the region. MSG, MSG+ and MSGNetworks.com have a combined 145 wins during that time and 248 over their history.
Each year, MSG and MSG+ collectively telecast approximately 500 live professional games, along with a comprehensive lineup of other sporting events, including college football and basketball, and critically-acclaimed original programming. Original programming on the networks includes: “Beginnings,” which chronicles how New York’s greatest athletes and entertainers got their start; “Four Courses with JB Smoove,” in which the comedian and actor gathers friends to discuss a variety of topics over dinner; “The Mask with Henrik Lundqvist,” which follows Henrik and celebrity friends, such as Michael J. Fox and John McEnroe, creating custom masks; “The MSG Hockey Show” which offers a unique look at the week’s hot topics around the NHL; and the special 20-part television event, “The Garden’s Defining Moments.” In addition, the two networks showcase college football and college basketball from top conferences, including the Atlantic Coast Conference (football and basketball), Big 12 (football and basketball), Conference USA (football and basketball) and the Big East (basketball).
MSG also includes concerts and performances originating from The World’s Most Famous Arena, as well as movies and entertainment specials such as “Billy Joel: Home at The Garden,” which documents the legendary performer’s landmark residency. Additional programming on MSG+ includes a lineup of select NCAA college football and basketball games, the New York Racing Association horse racing, and international sports content such as Union of European Football Association (UEFA) soccer, as well as original programming related to the network’s professional teams.
MSG Networks’ commitment to fans extends beyond the television and computer screen. The company proudly supports the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which has brightened the lives of more than 275,000 children and their families, including those facing homelessness, extreme poverty, illness and foster care. Through ongoing programs, the Foundation develops strong, long-term relationships that truly change lives.
In 2007, MSG Networks and Garden of Dreams launched “MSG Classroom,” an Emmy award-winning educational program to teach high school kids about the media industry. The eight-week program provides a hands-on opportunity for students to develop skills, including broadcasting, script writing and production. The program culminates with the students creating their own special television feature. In 2015, MSG Networks was recognized for the third year in a row with a prestigious Beacon Award in the “Education” category, while also receiving a 2014 NY Emmy Award in the community service category for its “Garden of Dreams: MSG Classroom” program.
