NEW YORK — WABC-TV's blacked-out signal was switched back on for Cablevision's 3.1 million subscribers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut shortly after the Academy Awards telecast got under way last night.

Cablevision Systems Corp. spokesman Charles Schueler said a deal had been reached in a dispute over millions of dollars in fees that had led ABC's parent company, the Walt Disney Co., to pull its programming from the cable operator's subscribers at midnight Saturday.

The move could have cut off viewers' access to the highly rated Oscars broadcast. But the signal was switched on again at 8:43 p.m. yesterday, Cablevision said. The awards show began at 8:30 p.m.

SARKOZY BACKS GREECE'S AUSTERITY MOVES

PARIS — French President Nicolas Sarkozy offered Greece "resolute" European support yesterday and vowed to wage a determined fight to deter speculation against the euro — though he did not spell out any new, specific measures to help the country.

After meeting with the French leader, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou expressed appreciation for France's support as his government embarks on a severe austerity program to reduce its massive 12.7 percent budget deficit — but he did not rule out going to the International Monetary Fund if a European solution is not found.

INVESTMENT DAR MAY SEEK LEGAL SHIELD

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The debt-troubled Kuwaiti Islamic investment firm that owns half of British luxury car maker Aston Martin said yesterday it may seek state legal protection as it struggles to appease some of its creditors.

Using the gulf state's financial stability law would give Investment Dar and a majority of investors supporting its efforts the opportunity to move ahead on a previously agreed-on restructuring plan while shielding it from legal claims brought by dissenting creditors that might block the process, according to the company.