Cablevision raises some cable TV package rates

Cablevision Systems Corp. said Thursday that some of its television subscribers would pay more for certain services, effective April 1.

A $2.98-per-month “sports programming surcharge” will be applied to Family or Value packages or above. Broadcast Basic and Optimum Economy packages will not be affected.

Cablevision executives said the surcharge was needed because of the rising cost of sports programs.

“We have not raised our cable television prices in more than two years, even as we have added channels, On Demand content, new TV to GO services and other benefits,” said Bradley Feldman, vice president of video product management. Sports accounts for more than one-third of Cablevision’s total programming costs. Similar surcharges have been rolled out by Verizon FiOS and DirecTV.

Cablevision also is raising the price of its Spanish-language subscription by $2 per month, and its business subscription by $4 per month.

The Bethpage-based company owns Newsday.