I’M DELIGHTED to hear that Newport is soon to have its own micro-pub – the Cellar Door on Clytha Park Road – but I’m surprised you found it necessary to mention (shock horror!) it won’t feature a television.
Yes, many pubs operate without a TV and are the better for it. 
Apart from the occasional rugby international or major sporting event the TV brings no benefit to either landlord or customer. 
It kills conversation, is intrusive and destroys any atmosphere. 
People go to the pub for a decent pint and human interaction – no one says: “let’s go to the pub to watch TV.”
My nearest pub has recently reopened but the new proprietors have installed a large plasma screen television that dominates the bar.  
This is a sad state of affairs for a community local that was noted for its good ale and conversation. 

Dewi Jones
Railway Terrace
Sebastopol
Pontypool