Cable franchise ordinance to be re-introduced in Robbinsville
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
ROBBINSVILLE — Just over one week after he vetoed a cable franchise ordinance citing a lack of competition while criticizing Cablevision for plans to remove WCBS Channel 2 (New York) effective Jan. 28, Mayor David Fried announced the cable provider has agreed to keep the station on Robbinsville-area systems.
According to a township press release, after a week of talks with township officials, Cablevision determined it could move WCBS from channel 2 to channel 25 and replace WZBN. The high definition version of WCBS, currently on channel 702, will relocate to channel 698.
WZBN will be removed while KJWP will be installed on channel 2 while the high definition counterparts of KJWP and WTXF will appear on channels 702 and 700, respectively.
”While we still have concerns about the process and will continue to encourage more fair and open competition among cable providers, we are thrilled that Cablevision came to the table and listened to our concerns,” Mayor Fried said. “The decision to retain WCBS is great news for all of us that enjoy its programming, especially all the fans of the New York Jets and the National Football League who get to keep enjoying their favorite team and the most watched sport on television.”
The press released further stated, according to Cablevision, that customers would be notified of these changes through on-air banners. In addition, customers can always find the most current channel lineup for their community as part of the electronic on-air guide and at www.optimum.com.
According to the release, the cable franchise resolution will be re-introduced at the Jan. 23 Township Council meeting with a public hearing scheduled for Feb. 13.
Cablevision, in a press release stated the reason for channel relocations were due to the fact that “the FCC recently licensed a new must carry station to the channel 2 position, which required that Cablevision move WCBS to a different location in its channel line-up for Optimum customers in the Hamilton area.”
In a statement provided to the Messenger Press in the immediate aftermath of Mayor Fried’s veto several weeks ago, the cable service provider assured that no subscribers would lose WCBS.
The Township Council had previously approved the ordinance following its introduction Dec. 12.
At the Dec. 12 meeting, Mark Roselli, township attorney, noted how Robbinsville was one of only a few municipalities that do not have a franchise ordinance with the cable company, and said the matter goes back several years.
”There was disagreement I think back then with the mayor with respect to certain aspects of the franchise, and basically, when there was cable competition these ordinances meant something, now there is no cable competition,” Mr. Roselli said. “You guys have Cablevision, I guess some people have Comcast.”
Councilwoman Sheree McGowan noted Verizon Fios, which has a statewide franchise, is also available to residents.
According to a copy of the ordinance, Cablevision initially filed an application for renewal in September 2007.
”What this particular ordinance (does) is basically establishes a ten-year term, which is less than most,” Mr. Roselli said. “There’s usually a 10-, 15- or 20-year term.
”It has a grant of $18,000 that can be used for certain technology,” he added, noting that amount is also more than is usually provided in such ten-year deals.
In addition, according to the ordinance, free cable access would be provided to Robbinsville schools, the library and municipal buildings.
Another component of the renewal is a provision that residents on longer roads who typically have to pay for lines to be run down to them will not have to do so under the terms of the new agreement.
According to the ordinance, even with township consent, operation is conditioned upon prior approval from the BPU.