costly.

The move is a blow to Bermudians without cable television who tune into channel 11, hungry for the non-stop diet of news fed by CNN.

But DeFontes Broadcasting, which runs VSB, says it now provides an international news broadcast.

And the company claims the new programming offers greater variety, with news, sports, and old movies.

The firm's accountant Mrs. Eileen Dunstan said yesterday: "CNN was far too costly, and our contract was up with it, so we decided to change.'' "We now offer an international news broadcast.'' Mrs. Dunstan said DeFontes Broadcasting had had a contract with CNN -- thought to come up for renewal every two years -- for a very long time.

CNN had been off the air since May 31, she added.

"We are trying to diversify our programmes, and are now putting on more variety.

"During the day and evening hours we have movies and music programmes, as well as soap operas.

"There is also country music and the top ten videos, and different types of sport.'' Fishing, golf, and scuba diving are among activities featured. Profiles of sportsmen are also included.

Mrs. Dunstan admitted CNN was popular, and probably attracted many Bermudian TV watchers.

And the Larry King Live show, in particular, pulled in viewers, she said.

"CNN was just a news channel, but we are trying to expand our programming.

Those with cable, however, can still get CNN.'' Mrs. Dunstan said the 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. VSB news bulletins had not been affected by the move.

She was unable to say whether DeFontes Broadcasting would have renewed the contract if it had been cheaper.

Sources have told The Royal Gazette the CNN contract had run into six figures.