CRTC Seeks Public Input on TV Services

The hearing will begin on December 7, 2009, in Gatineau, Que. The CRTC is considering whether local television stations should be allowed to negotiate compensation from cable and satellite companies for their signals.

"We are examining various facets of the Canadian broadcasting system as it adapts to an environment that is rapidly changing," said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., chairman of the CRTC. "We are discussing a number of regulatory changes with the industry to ensure the system's future health.  It is important that consumers make their voices heard on the issues that affect them the most."

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
• 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
• challenges posed by the transition to digital local broadcasting

Source: Broadcaster, 10/02/2009