Shadow Minister of Telecommunications, Michael Fahy claims CITV has taken money and talent from local stations that could have helped the ailing channels.

Speaking yesterday as the row between Bermuda CableVision and Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) continued, Sen. Fahy said Government should support ZBM, ZFB and VSB.

"Local TV stations have been hurting for a long time. It is clear to us that the creation of CITV took money and talent away from local TV that might otherwise have gone to supporting local programming.

"It is not unreasonable, in our view, for CableVision to pay a reasonable fee to local stations for carrying their channels, which most Bermudians want to be able to see.

Sen. Fahy continued: "However it would also seem reasonable for Government to support local broadcasters and independent media by sponsoring local programming and advertising meaningfully on these channels, rather than preferring a state-run broadcaster."

He added in exchange for the CableVision fee and increased Government support, the local stations could improve the quality of their broadcasts and move to digital and/or high definition signals.

A request was put in to Telecommunications Minister Terry Lister for Government's opinion, however no comment was available.

CableVision announced on Sunday its plans to dump BBC channels 7 and 9 because the BBC intended to charge a fee for carrying ZBM and ZFB even though the channels have aired without charge for years.

But BBC CEO Bill Craig said according to the Telecommunications Act 1986, a cable carrier cannot drop or change a channel unless approved by the Telecommunications Commission.

His position was reinforced in a statement by the Department of Telecommunications earlier this week which reiterated CableVision's responsibility as a carrier.

It read in part: "....as a specified carrier in accordance with Section 23 of the Act, Bermuda CableVision has a further obligation to obtain permission from the Telecommunications Commission before introducing or changing services or rates.

"The Department of Telecommunications has written to Bermuda CableVision to remind them of their obligations under the Act."

CableVision general manger Terry Roberson maintains the company sought legal advice before determining it was within its rights to drop channels 7 and 9 – and will do so at midnight on December 11.

Mr. Craig said CableVision's response to Government was disappointing for both sides and said he was "flabbergasted" the company had decided to disregard Government's statement.

Last night, the Telecommunications Commission released a statement saying it is investigating complaints regarding CableVision's decision to drop channels 7 and 9.

"The Telecommunications Commission is the appropriate body for complaints and it expects due process to be followed," said the statement.

"The Commission will inquire into this complaint as a matter of urgency. Because this service affects all of Bermuda, the Commission reminds the public of their right to send it their written comments to the Telecommunication Commission, c/o Department of Telecommunications.

"In the meantime, the Commission trusts that, in the interests of the public, the parties would continue their negotiations over this issue with a view to resolving the matter."