Ministry: Interim Leased TV Channel Policy

June 13, 2018

The Ministry of Regulatory Affairs has issued the Leased Channel Policy consultation document, which states it will “permit independent producers of local content who lease cable channels from Cable Television Service Providers to insert local advertising.”

A Government spokesperson said, “The public is advised that The Ministry of Regulatory Affairs has issued the Leased Channel Policy consultation document. This is an initiative to support diverse, Bermudian content programming on television.

“This document is not intended to be the final policy. However, it will serve as an interim measure while the Government consults with the public and stakeholders on the future of broadcasting in Bermuda. The deadline for this consultation is Monday 25th June, 2018 at 4.pm.”

The document states, “The 2008 Policy prohibits a Cable Television Service Provider [cable operators] from “insert[ing] any advertising matter into programmes transmitted over a non-origination cablecasting channel without the consent in writing of the Minister”.

“The purpose of this Interim Policy is to permit independent producers of local content who lease cable channels from Cable Television Service Providers to insert local advertising in the programmes on leased channels, with the goal of stimulating the creation, production and distribution by Bermudians of local programming that reflects life in Bermuda.”

The Interim Leased Channel Policy follows below [PDF here]:

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Comments (3)

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  1. Navin Johnson says:

    Great more nuisance ads…

  2. Joe Bloggs says:

    Really? Over a year since the Government embarked on this course (“In early 2017, the Government commenced a review of its existing policies and legislation …”) and only 12 days for the public to consider and comment on the matter?

  3. New Bermudian says:

    Though I’m not partisan at all, isn’t it a little unfair to blame the current administration for things started and not finished under the previous one? And realistically, how many regular Joes are going to be interested in the consultation anyway? I’m sure the industry will be able to respond quickly. Let’s let reason prevail- you complain that it’s taken so long, yet you aren’t happy with the time given. Not sure you can have it both ways…which goes to show, you can’t please all of the people all of the time. The reason for the delay might be because the current government needed to fully understand the work first. Just sayin’. Let’s instead occupy our minds with more pressing societal issues.