The beginning of the real new millennium signals a dramatically new era for Vision TV and for all broadcasters; the real start of the transition to digital technology. My retirement from Vision TV is as good a touchstone as any for an impression of the accelerating changes that are underway. When I came to Toronto as CEO of the network in January 1995, Vision and the broadcast universe were secure and reasonably predictable. Our spiritually inspired, multi-faith mandate to provide a space on television for the full range of Canadian faith and belief, made us unique in the world

Robin Fillingham, executive VP and CFO of CTV Inc has been named CFO and chief administrative officer of the recently formed Bell Globemedia. Other key executives at the new BCE Inc-owned entity include Globe and Mail publisher Phillip Crawley, president of Sympatico-Lycos Inc Marc Tellier, president of Globe Interactive Lib Gibson, and group executive VP of corporate affairs Alain Gourd. Trina McQueen was also upped from executive VP to president and COO of CTV, which was bought by BCE. As well, Susanne Boyce was promoted from senior VP of CTV programming to president of programming and chair of the Media Group, which will coordinate the programming activities of CTV’s services. Rick Brace, formerly president of NetStar Sports, was named president of NetStar Communications Inc, which was acquired by CTV.

What Private TV Broadcasters Spent on Programming, 1995-98 ($ millions)

Look Communications Inc is continuing its quest for investors or buyers of certain assets, although its financial status has stabilized following a $150-million infusion from partner Microcell Telecommunications Inc. The much-needed cash came last week after Look sold its 50% stake in Inukshuk Internet Inc.

Consumers now have recourse if cablecos or broadcasters collect, use or disclose personal information about them without their consent. As federally regulated private companies, broadcasters and cablecos along with telcos and banks are among the first group to be subject to the new Personal Information and Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

Bell ExpressVu says it hasn’t received any customer complaints over automatic renewal of its NHL Center Ice package, despite its similarity to a controversial marketing practice since abandoned by its cable competitors. The satellite TV operator insists the practice is not negative option marketing. The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), however, questions its legality in contract law. As for the CRTC, it’s staying clear of the whole issue.

The biggest challenge facing the new National Broadband Task Force won’t be coming up with a formula to ensure all Canadians have high-speed Internet access by 2004, it will be reaching a consensus among competing groups, according to one task force member.

Technological considerations will be the main factor determining when newly licensed video-on-demand services hit the market. The CRTC thought the time was right when it awarded five VOD licences in 1997 (CCR, July 16/97). None of those services has yet launched.

Three Canadian broadcasters decided to lease their own satellite channels because they couldn’t reach an acceptable agreement with Star Choice Communications Inc, Telesat Canada maintains in a Jan. 12 letter to the CRTC. It’s a move that essentially guarantees the launch of Category 2 channels licensed to NetStar Communications Inc/CTV Inc, Chum Ltd and Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc – and on their terms and conditions.