Government channels change for Bright House customers today

BROOKSVILLE - Fans of the three local government and public access channels will have to look elsewhere - and maybe even pay a little more - starting today.

The Hernando County Government, Hernando Instructional Television and Florida Government channels are moving to the digital tier in the Bright House Networks lineup.

For people who already have digital cable, the change will be seamless. Customers who don't must switch to digital service; those who don't have digital televisions must pay $1 per month for a converter box.

Hernando County Commissioners joined the chorus of protest by government officials in the Tampa Bay area to protest the move, which they believe will restrict residents' access to government meetings.

The opposition, which included legal challenges in some instances, so far has not caused Bright House to reverse the change.

Here's the new lineup:

- The Hernando County School District channel, formerly channel 14, moves to channel 614.

- The Florida Channel, formerly channel 20, moves to channel 615;

- And Hernando County Government Broadcasting, formerly channel 19, moves to channel 622.

Customers who want to continue to receive these channels and want to know options can call Bright House, 754-3006.