Letter to Thomas M. Rutledge, Chairman and CEO of Charter Communications, and William M. Pepin, President of WWLP-TV - Keep WWLP on in the Berkshires

Letter

Dear Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Pepin,

We write to express our concern about the approximately 30,000 Charter Cable subscribers in the Berkshires who will be losing access to local news and broadcasting from WWLP, their Massachusetts NBC affiliate. According to recent reports, Charter Communications will no longer carry WWLP in its channel line-up starting sometime in April. The 16 communities that would be affected have received WWLP for decades. The loss of this channel will prevent those in the Berkshires from viewing Massachusetts news over their set-top box from the only channel that is currently providing these residents with daily live coverage from the Massachusetts State House.

We make no representations as to the merits of either side's position, as these are contractual discussions between private parties. We encourage both parties to pursue good faith negotiations in this matter so that Berkshire residents continue to receive Massachusetts information, including emergency alerts, weather closings, and daily news. Consumers should not be caught in the middle.

We look forward to your prompt responses.

Sincerely,

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