As long as you need cable ^^^ to get football - it ain't happening:)
Congrats to the OP for following the advice and saving a nice chunk of money:), but the advice given isn't any different from what is already floating around on this board.
The new NY Times article the OP linked is titled
"Tips on Reducing Cable and Phone Bills From Ethically Ambiguous Experts"
The "experts" are called "Bill Fixers" in this case, but there are other services like that out there. Judicious of the NYT to title it that way, especially since it also says no rules are violated.
Basically, they (the bill slaying service) impersonate you (with your permission) and then charge you 50% of whatever they save you. Now that's a racket - one call center wringing money from another call center:).
Besides, if they only manage to negotiate for a new 1-2 year contract, you will need their services again at a 50% cut.
IMHO, this is the type of service that should be offered by all communities to their elderly citizens at say a 10% charge or better yet free - even AARP should get in on this game. The young and stupid are entirely capable of fending for themselves by coming to MMM:) tongue in cheek of course.
We're with Time Warner, who is named in this article and let me tell you they are a nightmare to deal with - for our street they are the only game in town. No cables for Verizon Fios yet.