Protect free TVDecember 5, 2011Dear Sir,This is a comment about your article “Cablevision goes to court over delay”. The Telecommunications Commission should uphold Bermuda Broadcasting’s exclusive contract with CBS.Cablevision is arguing “apples and oranges”. ZBM is a broadcaster. Cablevision (BCV) is not. BCV is a subscription TV service which relays distant signals to its subscribers and is a “narrow-caster”. It is not an advertising revenue-based company.ZBM’s affiliated link to CBS is its lifeline, remove that right and it is dead in the water.BCV and ZBM are not in the same business. Cablevision sells to the public, ZBM sells to advertisers.The fact that WOW wins a right against Cablevision in regard to exclusivity matters is neither here nor there. No subscription channel provider (other than single events) can engage in exclusive contracts. For example: HBO cannot have an exclusive right with BCV; it must do business with WOW or any other licensed subscription TV provider.Free over-the-air TV must be protected, especially if it is outside of Government control as it can act as an independent voice of the people.It should also have the right to charge a nominal fee to be carried by the subscription services. Regardless of what WOW or BCV might say, both create audience fragmentation which has a direct negative affect upon a local broadcaster’s advertising revenues.GAVIN WILSONSouthamptonEditor’s Note: Gavin Wilson is the founder of Bermuda CableVision and of WOW.