Time Warner Will Keep NECN in Channel Lineup

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— A statement from U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey's office says Time Warner Cable has reversed its decision to cut New England Cable News from its package.

"Christmas has come early for the Berkshires with Time Warner's decision to continue carrying NECN in its channel lineup," said Markey. "NECN is a valuable source of information for Massachusetts and New England news and keeps the western part of the commonwealth connected to the larger region. I commend Time Warner for listening to its customers and reversing its decision."

The cable company had planned to end its carriage of NECN in the Berkshires by the end of the December but has been pressured by local and state officials keep the news network on. The Berkshires' presence in the Albany, N.Y., viewing area means NECN was one of the few outlets for news about Massachusetts and New England.

The Berkshire delegation called for help from U.S. Sens. Markey and Elizabeth Warren, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal in keeping the channel in the Time Warner lineup last Friday. The congressmen wrote to Time Warner urging it to keep NECN in its service in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts.

Markey, a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said he applauded the cable company's reversal.


Tags: cable television,   NECN,   Time Warner,   

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Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond. 
 
According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond. 
 
The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million. 
 
"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.
 
The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
 
The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.
 
The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here
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