BHTV STOPS: Now that we have Century Cable's public access programming, we might appreciate what BHTV was providing Beverly Hills viewers. It is also a good lesson on the real impact of federal rules that require cable companies and those who control community television to allow everyone equal opportunities in producing programs.

While some of the shows on Century Cable are interesting, we again have our share of astrology, pseudo-psychology and other cult offerings.

As for BHTV, the final indignity came last week when school officials were instructed by the city to change the locks on their studios and offices. Staffers, who are still waiting for their pay checks, were given time to remove personal property.

Some of the all-for-one spirit at the station also began to unravel in their closing days. The station manager and the board chair began pointing fingers of responsibility for the failure to convince the council to continue funding.

Insiders were also trying to discover how the station's severest critic, Councilmember MeraLee Goldman, seemed to know everything going on at the station.

Is BHTV totally dead? According to one city official the present staff and board members will not be returned no matter what recommendations the "Blue Ribbon" committee makes.

Best Bet: BHTV will return with a new, independent board working with a professional staff closely tied to the city and school district's television operations.
Reprinted from BEVERLY HILLS NEWS February 16, 1995 *