The continuous coverage of West Indies cricket will not affect the airing of popular children's programme `Sesame Street', according to the head of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

The pre-emption of the popular children's programme caused a stir for mother Kelly Rowell, who was upset that it was being omitted from Bermuda CableVision's programming schedule.

But last night BBC chief executive Rick Richardson said that the show was being aired on ZBM "at a regularly scheduled time".

Last month, Mrs. Rowell voiced her concern to The Royal Gazette and planned to submit a petition to Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb appealing that CableVision be allowed to continue airing the popular learning programme on cable channel 5.

CableVision ceased showing `Sesame Street' on May 1 in compliance with duplicating broadcasting laws. Bermuda Broadcasting Company (BBC) holds the exclusive right to air the show locally.

Mrs. Rowell submitted a petition with more than 300 signatures on April 29, but is yet to hear from Ms. Webb.

She said: "I was quite surprised that I haven't heard a word. The closest I've got to speak with her is her secretary."

She said that because of her petition she had been threatened with a lawsuit by BBC's chief executive officer Rick Richardson.

"He called me and told me that he was going to sue me for defamation because of the way my petition was worded. The first line read, `CableVison is being forced to blackout `Sesame Street'...'.

"We got into a screaming match. I couldn't believe this was happening. This man is such bully."

But Mr. Richardson insisted there is no lawsuit forthcoming.

He said: "Legal matters with her are not of any issue."

The mother of one said since cricket is airing daily and CableVison cannot broadcast the show, she is forced to show her daughter previously videotaped episodes repeatedly.

"It's been terrible. Thank goodness I've been keeping her busy."

However, Mr.Richardson contends the show is not affected by the cricket matches.

"In accordance with our licensing agreement with Sesame Workshop, we air `Sesame Street' at a regularly scheduled time on a primary channel.

"The show comes on daily at 12 noon on ZBM (channel 9). It has for the past 30 years."

He acknowledged that the show gets shuffled a bit on ZFB (channel 7), but it is the same episode that is aired earlier that day.