Kabelvision's deception

Through December and early January, Kabelvision advertised extensively that it would be presenting the National Football League (NFL) playoffs on ESPN. However, on the weekends that the matches were played, the ESPN channel was either blank or another sport program had been substituted, even though its on-screen schedule indicated that the playoffs were to be broadcast live.

To date, there has been no explanation from Kabelvision as to why these programs were not shown. Inquiries to the customer service department are met with the answer "satellite trouble".

However, it is very curious that the channel came back on with the scheduled programming immediately following the times that the games were concluded. One wonders if Kabelvision is employing a classic "bait and switch" approach to its programming and services, in order to secure and retain subscribers.

Unfortunately, it is the paying public that suffers through this deception and theft of services. Is Kabelvision willing to provide a refund to its customers for its failure to supply this and other programming as advertised? Kabelvision is now advertising that it will be broadcasting the NFL Super Bowl in February but one has to wonder if the same "bait and switch" will occur on the date of this event!

GUY M. ROBINSON

Jakarta