CRTC calls for input on television services
At the request of the federal government, the CRTC announced today that it will hold a public hearing in December on whether local Over-the-air television stations should have the ability to charge cable and satellite operators to carry their signals.
The federal regulator estimates the practice known as fee-for-carriage (FFC) could net conventional broadcasters over $352 million annually. The CRTC has twice turned down the request by broadcasters to implement FFC but has been forced to examine it again by the government.
The hearing will begin on December 7, 2009, in Gatineau, Que. In a notice issued today, consumers and members of the industry are invited to share their views on how negotiated compensation may or may not impact:
the affordability of cable and satellite television services
the availability of local television services, including local news, information and public affairs programming
the industry as it adapts to a digital communications environment, and
current or future business models facilitating access to local television stations after the transition from analog to digital signals.
Given the scope of this hearing and comments already received from the public, it is expected that other issues closely linked to affordability will be raised. These include such issues as consumer choice, the availability of low-cost basic television service, smaller packages of pay and specialty services, the ability to select pay and specialty services on a stand-alone basis, as well as the challenges posed by the transition to digital local broadcasting. As a result, the CRTC will also accept comments on these issues.
Canadian have until November 2, 2009 to submit their comments by filling out an online form on the CRTC site, writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or sending a fax, at 819-994-0218.
I love DirecTV!!!
met too or dish.. I say.. make all of Canada, US, and Mexico, ONE TV and RADIO MARKET… its just better that way…..
If the CRTC would mandate Digital HD OTA sooner, more people would dump their overpriced cable and satellite subscriptions and support the local channels!
Brad, the broadcasters haven’t the means to go digital. That’s the other shoe which has yet to fall in this sordid affair.
Even the CBC is unwilling to complete the transition to digital OTA transmitters. And, they’re the farthest along.