Subscribers to Bermuda CableVision will no longer have access to Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation's channel 7 and 9 due to BBC charging the cable company a fee to air the channels.

Effective midnight on December 11 CableVision will no longer be able to carry the local broadcasts as a result of the demands by the BBC, according to a statement issued last night.

CableVision general manager, Terry Roberson, said: "Bermuda CableVision has for many years been carrying channels 7 and 9 under the must-carry rule, which obliged us to carry local broadcast channels for free.

"Under the new legislation, the BBC can either require CableVision to carry channels 7 and 9 for free on the old basis or charge CableVision a fee to carry local channels. BBC has now informed us that they will require fees to carry channels 7 and 9."

He continued: "While we have always been happy to carry channels 7 and 9 over our cable network free of charge, we simply do not believe cable customers should pay for something which non-cable viewers receive for free through an off-air antenna.

"CableVision is, therefore, unable to carry channels 7 and 9, although we remain willing to carry these channels on the old basis."

Mr. Roberson added: "We apologise for the inconvenience to our customers. Those who would like to watch their favourite shows from ABC and CBS online should visit www.cablevision.bm and follow the links."

Local broadcasters are allowed to choose between a must carry status, meaning their network be carried over to the cable system as it is today, or retransmission consent status, meaning the broadcast network charges the cable company to carry the programming which would increase the cost of cable.

According to the statement, CableVision conducted research showing that 83 percent of cable customers do not think they should be required to pay for local programming.

When asked if cable customers should pay for local programming what is free via antenna, 93 percent said no.

The survey also revealed that viewership of local programming is moderate with viewers only spending less than an hour a day watching local channels.

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