BERMUDA CABLEVISION NO LONGER ABLE TO CARRY
LOCAL BROADCAST CHANNELS 7 AND 9

(Hamilton, Bermuda, November 30th, 2008) - As a result of demands made by the Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Bermuda CableVision announces that, effective midnight on December 11, 2008, it will no longer be able to carry local broadcast channels 7 (ZFB) and channel 9 (ZBM) on its cable system.

CableVision general manager, Terry Roberson, explains: '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, 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.

'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.

'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.'

In July 2008, changes to the must-carry legislation in the Telecommunications Act were introduced that added a new provision called retransmission consent, which relates to the carriage of local broadcast television over cable systems.

The new provision allows local broadcasters to choose between must-carry status (meaning their network must be carried over the cable system—as it is today), or retransmission consent status (meaning the broadcast network will charge the cable company to carry the programming, a cost which would be passed on to Bermuda CableVision subscribers if the cable company continues to air the local broadcast channels).

Bermuda CableVision conducted research, which showed that 83 percent of cable customers believed they should not be required to pay for local programming. When asked, 'Should cable customers pay for local programming while access is free via antenna,' 93 percent of respondents said 'no.' Furthermore, the survey revealed that viewership of local channels is moderate, with most respondents spending less than one hour per day watching local channels.

Local broadcast channel VSB is not affected by this change.

Media Contacts:

Elizabeth Tee
Troncossi Public Relations
Telephone: 537-1100