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SNY is scaling back its editorial operation, ending two longtime sports programs and shutting down its website as the New York regional sports network reduces its non-game coverage.
The changes took effect today, according to The Athletic. SNY canceled SportsNite and Baseball Night in New York while laying off much of its editorial staff.
The network, which carries the New York Mets and New York Jets, has not publicly disclosed how many employees were affected.
SNY ends two longtime shows
SportsNite debuted when SNY launched in 2006. The weekday program provided daily coverage of New York’s professional and college teams, including game recaps and local sports news.
The network also ended Baseball Night in New York, a nightly program focused on Mets and Yankees news and rumors. Sal Licata hosted the 30-minute show.
The cuts mean New York’s three regional sports networks no longer have a daily sports news studio program. MSG Networks and YES Network also focus their original programming primarily around live sports coverage.
SNY has declined to comment publicly on the layoffs, leaving the exact scale of the staff reduction unclear.
Mets and Jets coverage continues
The cuts do not eliminate SNY’s live Mets and Jets programming. The network will continue producing pregame and postgame coverage for both teams.
SNY will also keep its midweek Jets program and Mets Hot Stove. The network’s simulcast of WFAN’s Carton Show is also expected to continue.
Three prominent on-air contributors are also staying with the network. Mets reporter Chelsea Janes, Jets reporter Connor Hughes and Knicks insider Ian Begley will remain.
The change therefore appears to be focused more heavily on SNY’s daily editorial operation than its core team coverage.
Why SNY is pulling back
SNY’s reductions come as regional sports networks face a difficult business environment. Traditional television distribution has been under pressure as more viewers move away from cable.
SNY has also been exploring potential changes to its ownership and financial structure. The Wall Street Journal reported in April that the network was considering potential deals, including a possible sale, and had hired bankers to seek new backing.
SNY is controlled by Sterling Entertainment Enterprises, which is associated with the Wilpon and Katz families. Comcast previously held a stake in the network, while Charter Communications became an investor after Comcast’s exit, according to reporting cited in the source material.
Distribution has also presented challenges. YouTube TV dropped SNY in June 2023 and has not restored the network. SNY later launched a direct streaming option with Major League Baseball ahead of the 2025 season.
What fans are losing
For Mets and Jets fans, live game coverage remains in place. What disappears is much of the daily programming between games.
SportsNite provided nightly recaps, local reporting and conversation around New York sports. Baseball Night in New York offered another dedicated space for baseball news and rumors.
That makes the latest changes significant beyond the canceled programs themselves. SNY is continuing to cover New York teams, but with a smaller editorial operation and fewer original programs connecting fans to the teams between games.
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