Execs explain why Cablevision bought Bresnan

There were more than a few questions when metro-centric Cablevision Systems ended up as the high bidder for cowboy state Bresnan Communications properties.

At least a few of them have been answered. The deal was not made just for the substantial tax benefit the MSO will reap, although, conceded CFO Michael Huseby, that is "a nice aspect of this deal for us."

It also wasn't the first in a westward expansion for the Long Island, N.Y.-based MSO, said CEO James Dolan, noting, "This should not be taken as a signal that we are in the market for every cable company or cable system that may eventually be for sale."

It was about "growing the amount of services to all potential customers in these communities as well as adding new services to existing subscribers," according to COO Tom Rutledge, who has been tasked with running the new properties.

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