MSG Network Scores Best Monthly Average Rating For New York Knicks In Six Years

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New York Knicks on MSG Network averaged a 2.02 household Nielsen rating for the month of December 2010, the highest monthly average since the 2004-05 season (when Nielsen changed its methodology from meter-diary integration to Local People Meters). The previous high since 2004 was January 2007 (1.59 HH rating).

Last night's game versus the San Antonio Spurs, who currently hold the NBA's best record, registered a 2.75 HH rating, the fourth-highest ranked Knicks game on MSG Network this season. The game pushed the year-to-date average to a 1.50 HH rating, up 39 percent over 2009-10 (1.08 HH rating through 32 games).

December 2010 included a number of marquee matchups, including two games versus the Miami Heat and contests against the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, and Oklahoma City Thunder. The game versus the Celtics on December 15 scored a 3.61 HH rating and was the highest rated Knicks game on MSG Network since opening night of 2001. The team had a record of 8-5 during the month.

The Knicks start a four-game road trip on Friday to face the Phoenix Suns, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers (1/9), Portland Trail Blazers (1/11) and Utah Jazz (1/12). They return to The Garden on Friday, January 14 to host the Sacramento Kings. All games will be on MSG Network.

About MSG Media

MSG Media is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from MSG's venues. MSG Media consists of the MSG Networks (MSG Network, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) regional sports networks and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD), a national television network dedicated to music.  MSG Media is also responsible for managing interactive initiatives (online, mobile, VOD and iTV) across all business segments.  MSG Media is part of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (Nasdaq:MSG), a fully-integrated sports, entertainment and media business. The company is comprised of three business segments: MSG Sports, MSG Entertainment and MSG Media, which are strategically aligned to work together to drive MSG's overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content that MSG creates, produces, presents and/or distributes through its programming networks and other media assets. MSG Sports consists of owning and operating sports franchises, including the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL), the New York Liberty (WNBA), and the Connecticut Whale (AHL). MSG Sports also features other sports properties, including the presentation of a wide variety of live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball, track and field and tennis.  MSG Entertainment is one of the country's leaders in live entertainment.  MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes, throughout the country.  MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events such as concerts, family shows and special events in MSG's diverse collection of venues.  These venues include Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theater, the Chicago Theater and the Wang Theater. More information is available at www.msg.com .

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CONTACT:  Madison Square Garden, Inc.
          Dan Schoenberg
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          Brian Fisher 
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