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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports (and to all references to our Firm), as it relates to Northland Cable
Television, Inc., included in or made a part of this registration statement.
 
                                               /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Seattle, Washington
December 18, 1997