Channel 82’s future hangs in the balance, after service provider Logic Communications demanded a $2,000 monthly fee to broadcast its shows.

Lamone Woods, the channel’s managing partner, pulled his Bermuda-centric programming from the cable company’s airwaves and posted the “upsetting” news on Facebook.

He also urged viewers to contact Logic (formerly CableVision) to request the return of Channel 82, which would only be available to World On Wireless (WOW) customers should the split be finalised.

The Facebook post, which sparked a lengthy debate, said: “For seven years we have provided content to CableVision at no cost to them, positively showcasing our community, and now they want us to pay to continue providing local programming to you.

“They do not see the value in what we provide for the community and we are making a stand. We want to continue to provide you with local content. Thank you for your continued support.”

However, the two sides are set to return to the negotiating table to try to resolve the issue, and Channel 82 is back on air for the time being. It was off the air for at least 24 hours starting on Thursday.

“We’re not asking for any hand-out, we’re saying that our content has value,” Mr Woods told The Royal Gazette.

“There are so many things on television these days, but we don’t see local people. We have talent to showcase, which was our mandate from the very beginning. It gives Bermudians a reflection of themselves.”

Antoine Jones, who hosts teen lifestyle show In the Know on the channel, said that it would “crush my dreams” if the standoff was not resolved.

“Channel 82 has always provided the island with good content that people want to see,” said the 15-year-old, a student at the Berkeley Institute.

“I love making my own TV show. It gets me motivated and that’s what keeps me going every day. I never thought something like this would happen.”

Logic CEO Lloyd Fray said Channel 82 would continue to air for the next 60 days, as the companies tried to reach an agreement.

“While we are unable to discuss the specifics of commercial contracts due to confidentiality, we would like to reiterate our support of local content,” he said. “This is demonstrated by the five local leased channels that we carry and are provided as part of our channel line-up, the live Cup Match feed as well as the inclusion of ZBM and ZFB.

“Local content showcases the Bermudian culture, spirit and artistic expressions and it is something we are proud to air.”