Barrett:"I Don't Want To Win A Battle, I Want To Win The War"
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| Mayor John Barrett III |
Time-Warner officials had notified Barrett during a telephone conversation last month that WBZ would be removed and replaced with a CBS-affiliate from Hartford, Conn.. That plan is apparently no longer in the works.
Barrett said that state Rep. Daniel Bosley was "extremely influential" with the decision to keep WBZ in the Northern Berkshire line-up.
But other changes that the company is planning, including a shift of C-SPAN and a community bulletin board/radio venue currently carried on Channel 22 from the basic line-up tier to a more expensive option, are in violation of the firm's contract with the city, Barrett emphasized during a telephone interview.
"I don't want to win a battle, I want to win the war," he said.
Time-Warner media relations spokesman Peter Taubkin did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Late last week Barrett announced during a media conference that he'd sent a letter to Time-Warner officials in New York that documented the city's intention to bring company officials to negotiations over the proposed changes or, in the event of a company refusal to negotiate, file a lawsuit.
That hasn't changed, Barrett said.
Changes Mean Cost Impacts To Seniors And Low-Income Families
"We sent them a letter that says we believe you are in violation of the contract and they have to try and negotiate a settlement," Barrett said. "We haven't heard from them. They do have to come to the table."
Moving channels such as the locally popular Channel 22 to a costlier tier has a strong impact on the enjoyment and possibly the finances of the city's senior population and low-income families, he said.
"The cost [price difference between basic and standard tier] is a $500 a year increase, and we have people who cannot afford that," Barrett said.
A Major League Problem
Barrett reiterated that citizens need to contact congressmen such as U.S. Rep. John W. Olver and insist that elected officials take steps such as drafting legislation to force controls on cable companies.
"Olver has to realize that this is a major league problem and there has got to be action on the federal level," Barrett said.
"What I really want to see is the Berkshire County residents rise up and say 'enough is enough.'"
