NEW CABLE TV PACT

After two years of negotiations, the city of Cape Girardeau and TCI Cablevision of Missouri Inc. finally have reached agreement on a 10-year cable-TV franchise.

Both sides say they are happy with the agreement, for which residents could ask no more after months of closed-door haggling and, presumably, compromise. Although he sought a 15-year pact, TCI general manager Roger Harms says the franchise gives him the peace of mind of knowing his company will continue to provide cable TV service to Cape Girardeau customers. To the city's advantage, the franchise includes a mechanism to better measure the performance of TCI and serve as a watchdog for cable customers.

The previous franchise was so vague that neither side was able to determine what exactly was required by the cable provider or the city's power to regulate the franchisee's performance. Under the new agreement, if the city finds a violation, it can enforce penalties if problems aren't corrected.

By having the security of a 10-year franchise, TCI also is able to begin long-range planning for system improvements such as fiber optics.

The most encouraging aspect of the franchise, though, is that it is non-exclusive. That means competitors will be able to provide service to city customers. This provision becomes more important as new technology develops that enhances competitive opportunities for direct-broadcast satellites and telephone companies.

Competition, more than anything in a written contract, assures residents an array of choices in cable TV service. Competition also ensures that TCI will remains committed to quality service and programming.