Norma Reveler
Reprice the channels, says Peladeau
A more moderate plan would see specialty cash redirected to conventional, argues Quebecor president. Our US partners won’t like that, retorts Asper.
Rogers blames conventional networks’ woes on US programming, fragmentation
After CTVgm president and CEO Ivan Fecan threatened to block programming across the board at the CRTC hearing on fee-for-carriage yesterday, Rogers Communications argued against US-style signal compensation.
CRTC turns down Slice
Cancon and spending requirements will stay as is, Canwest channel told.
Net makes more gains on TV and beats radio
Candians are watching more TV programs online than ever – a jump of 30% – according to the second annual CRTC Communicaiton Monitoring Report, but they still keep their eyes on the tube nearly as much as the previous year.
CRTC must ‘keep the road open’
Internet providers should stop playing favourites, say producers and actors, amid warnings of a chill on digital distribution.
Cable and satellite still talking tough
TV prices are set to climb at Rogers, Bell and Cogeco following CRTC ruling.
CRTC to hold public hearings on fee-for-carriage
Distributors must increase support to LPIF – contributing $100 million to local programming for stations in markets of up to a million people – and English ‘casters have been given consistent local programming airtime requirements.
Canwest to shake up specialties
In its continued specialty rebrand efforts, Canwest will replace Fine Living Canada with a do-it-yourself channel, it was revealed at Banff World Television Festival this week.
CBC seeks new licence for Bold
CBC dropped the phrase ‘from a rural perspective’ in a new CRTC licence application for Bold, while critics call shenanigans on the already-revamped digital channel’s premature ‘rural’ edit.
No promises from Moore on TV
Heritage Minister James Moore confirms the CBC will receive about $60 million in top-up funding for Canadian programming this fiscal year, during an appearance before parliament’s Heritage committee Wednesday.
Specialties flush with cash
According to CRTC stats, strong ad figures combined with higher subscriber revenues last year led the specialty sector to a profit of $549.6 million.
Abolish DTCA ban, suggests CRTC boss
CRTC’s Local Programming Improvement Fund, currently valued at $60 million, is one option that stands to boost local programming. Another revenue driver may come through allowing DTC pharma ads.
CRTC okays new channels
The channels eScapes, Baseball TV, Rural Channel and Northern Peaks have three years to launch.
CRTC to re-examine new media
The decade-old free pass for new media will get a second look by Canada’s regulator due to the rise of Internet and mobile content.
CAB, producers, pay TV have their say
In the latest developments at the ongoing CRTC hearings, CAB warned that US cablecos mustn’t be allowed to sneak into Canada via VOD. The CFTPA demanded that cable and satellite put more money into programming, and Allarco complained about non-uptake of its Super Channel.
