CABLE CHANNELS CHANGED EARLY

Jumping the gun a bit on a decision to realign channels Jan. 1, TCI cable company dropped WGN and the Comedy Channel on Monday.

Cable subscribers watching television Monday night found the channels replaced with the Animal Planet and Cartoon Network.

TCI spokesperson LaRae Marsik said the company based its decision to switch the lineup on a cost-benefit analysis and customer interest.

Judging by reactions in Speak Out, the Southeast Missourian's public opinion phone line, cable subscribers aren't happy with the changes. Many said they enjoyed WGN, the Comedy Channel and VH-1, which shared time with the Comedy Channel.

WGN is a superstation and costs more to air because of copyright fees. In early December, Harms said WGN lost its value when Chicago Bulls games became pay-per-view.

About a week later, WGN came to an agreement with the Bulls and now carries the team's games.