More community channels could result from proposed Access-Battlefords merger

The proposed merger of two Saskatchewan non-profit community cable co-operatives is expected to bring digital cable and several new community cable channels to the northern part of the province. The deal, announced February 20, will be voted on by members of Battlefords Community Cablevision Co-operative on March 12, and a day later by members of Regina-based Access Communications Co-operative Limited. Jim Deane, president and CEO of Access Communications, says the proposed merger will allow some economies of scale while preserving the founding principles of both co-operatives – local ownership and a commitment to community programming. "One of the commitments we’ve made to Battlefords is to roll out a separate and unique channel for every community they serve," he tells CCR. "They serve about ten communities right now, but they have community channels operating in only two or three of them. So we would roll out a community channel for each community (not being served) within 12 months." Deane believes that the community channels will give the cable co-operative a "distinct competitive advantage" on its direct-to-home satellite TV competitors. Access also plans to upgrade the Battlefords cable system to digital with a standalone headend within 90 days of the merger, according to Deane. He adds that the combined co-operative will look at using HITS QT to bring digital to some of Battlefords’ smaller systems (CCR, Aug. 15/01). "The infusion of new investment capital (from Access) will provide necessary technical upgrades that we couldn’t accomplish alone," says Alex Balych, president of Battlefords Community Cablevision. Savings should be achieved by combining the billing, payroll, and other human resources functions of the two co-operatives, Deane notes. He adds that while there have been layoffs in the Battlefords systems in the past few months, all current employees have been guaranteed jobs for at least a year under the proposed merger. "We’re saying there will be no further layoffs in the next 12 months, but what people do will change. (Some of) those who have back office jobs will be freed up to offer front-line customer service." Following approval of the merger by members of the two co-operatives, the combined entity, to be known as Access Communications, will seek CRTC approval. It will also need to get the go-ahead from the Saskatchewan government. Access currently serves just over 75,000 basic cable customers in Regina, White City and Emerald Park, Regina Beach, Estevan, Weyburn, Yorkton, Melville, Canora, Kam-sack, Esterhazy, Norquay, Churchbridge, Bredenbury, Theodore, Springside and Saltcoats. Battlefords Community Cable-vision, based in North Battleford, serves approximately 8,000 basic cable subscribers in Battlefords, Biggar, Meadow Lake, Kindersley, Rosetown, Unity, Wilkie, Maidstone and Lashburn.

More community channels could result from proposed Access-Battlefords merger

News | 03/01/2002 5:00 am EST

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