A group of DeKalb residents who also are NIU employees want the Black Entertainment Television network added to their cable offerings.

The group, which includes Affirmative Action Director Marilyn Monteiro, wants BET as part of their basic package of channels provided by DeKalb’s Warner Cable, said Warner’s General Manager Andrew Bast.

“Just as a citizen in DeKalb, I would like to see a variety of cultural programming in the area,” said Flecia Thomas, associate director of NIU’s University Programming and Activities.

Monteiro could not be reached for comment. No one contacted by The Northern Star could identify who is in charge of the petition drive.

Public hearings will be held Oct. 17 and 18 for citizen input on Warner’s cable service, whose agreement expires May 1991, said Gary Boden, DeKalb’s assistant city manager.

Warner’s contract will be renewed unless the city proves Warner has been negligent in its service, Boden said.

Thomas said a goal of the movement is to increase awareness of BET and get people to attend the hearings. Also, petitions are going around to show people’s support for BET, she said.

But, the situation is give-and-take and could force another network off the air in DeKalb.

Warner has no space for BET or any other network, Bast said. Officials will not remove an existing channel without getting customer input first, he said.

If Warner gets DeKalb’s OK for a renewal, it would consider expanding its system, Bast said.

“We will do everything within our power to update the system if a large group is interested in a service they’re not getting,” he said.

BET is available in the university’s cable system, which is not serviced by Warner.