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Verizon to shutter FiOS1 News in New York market in mid-November

Verizon Communications Inc.'s FiOS1 News is shutting down its local news programming in the New York metro area, though it is eyeing other content plans.

The telco said Regional News Network, or RNN, which had been supplying the content and talent to FiOS1 News, will not renew its contract and is now slated to end the more than 10-year relationship come mid-November. Some 150 jobs are at stake.

FiOS1 News airs local newscasts centered on area weather and traffic, local government, community and lifestyle fare, plus sporting events in New Jersey, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, including morning, daytime and evening editions.

"Later this year, Verizon will no longer be offering FiOS1 News. We have partnered with RNN for over 10 years to deliver award-winning hyper-local news coverage on FiOS1," said Verizon in a statement. "We know how important hyper-local news is to our FiOS customers and will be sharing more options soon. We wish RNN and their employees well during this transition."

A spokesman for the telco declined to elaborate on how those options might manifest, either on-air or digitally.

In an Aug. 17 letter to employees obtained by S&P Global Market Intelligence, RNN News President Richard French III wrote that despite being repeatedly told that FiOS1 is among the most-watched news channels on Fios TV, negotiations have continued over the past year and the company could not reach an agreement with Verizon.

French indicated that barring a change in direction from Verizon, RNN will cease providing news programming for Verizon's FiOS1 News at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 16. This means "your employment will permanently end on November 15, 2019," he said. French also said RNN remains open to discussions with Verizon and will "continue to make the case that original local news is critical to the communities we service."

As a New York business with more than 50 employees, RNN said it was required to issue a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Notice 90 days before it plans a major workforce change or layoff. The company said it is offering employees some financial retention incentives.