Telus Corp. is prepared to take issues of "undue preference" online to the CRTC if competitors are unwilling to share digital media content, the company's CEO, Darren Entwistle, suggested in comments to reporters following a speech Thursday to the Canadian Club of Toronto. The issue of vertically integrated media companies showing so-called "undue preference" toward the distribution of their own broadcasting content online and via mobile devices has come to the fore as Shaw Communications Inc. is purchasing the broadcasting assets of Canwest Global Communications Corp. and BCE Inc. is acquiring CTV Inc. Telus does not own broadcasting assets, and Entwistle told reporters Thursday the CRTC can opt to regulate content online and on mobile devices. He said the CRTC's access rules "are not limited to linear TV. They extend into broadband and wireless," the Financial Post reported. The CRTC does not currently regulate new media. On June 4, 2009, the commission extended its new media exemption order for five years, but it can review the decision at any time. During commission hearings on the Shaw-Canwest transaction, some parties argued for access rules as a part of Shaw's licence conditions. Telus asked the CRTC to impose a "strict prohibition on content exclusives on all platforms" to ensure that it or any other competitor could purchase the rights to Shaw's content. Shaw said during the hearings it intends to make its Global Television content available to competitors because it's "a benefit to offer the rights to everyone." Entwistle also affirmed Thursday that Telus does not have plans to invest in broadcasting assets, adding that the company will remain focused on its wireless, home phone, television distribution and Internet services.
Source: The Wire Report, 10/15/2010