Hearst Corporation has sold its 50% stake in New England Cable News (NECN) to Comcast, which is now the 100% owner. Terms were not revealed.
“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, who leads Comcast’s local programming businesses as 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,” he added.
Litner also announced that Bill Bridgen, presently 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 of 2008 and who was also the founding News Director for the station starting at its inception in 1992.
NECN bills itself as the largest, most honored 24-hour regional news network in the country, with more than three million subscribers in nearly 1,120 cities and towns in all six New England states.
