CCR Short Takes

CorrectionThe story on page 7 of the Aug. 17, 2004 issue of Canadian Communications Reports on Canadian digital TV subscriber growth contained incorrect information. Canadian digital TV subscriber growth in the first quarter of 2004 was actually higher than the same period a year earlier. Q1 2004 subscriber growth was inadvertently compared to that in the previous quarter, which saw higher growth, instead of Q1 2003. Mandatory notice period for channel changes being consideredThe CRTC is considering requiring all distributors, including direct-to-home satellite TV operators, to provide broadcasters with notice of changes to the terms of carriage and packaging of their channels (Broadcasting Public Notice 2004-64). The commission is anticipating a mandatory notice period of 60 days, and is asking what kinds of information should be provided to broadcasters in the notice. The proposal is part of a process aimed at ensuring that distributors and broadcasters conduct their negotiations in accordance with good commercial practices. The CRTC announced it would initiate such a process in conjunction with a June 4 ruling. On that date, the CRTC denied a request by The Sports Network, Talk TV, Le Réseau des sports, and the Weather Network for an order under section 9(1) of the Broadcasting Act that would require Star Choice Communications Inc. to not switch the way the channels are packaged (CCR, June 21/04). On August 25, the CRTC released reasons for its denial. The commission concludes that it does have the jurisdiction necessary to issue such an order, although Star Choice argued it didn’t. However, the regulator states it should only issue such an order to maintain the status quo if it would attain the objectives of the Broadcasting Act. "In the present case, the commission considers that the (TV) services have not demonstrated that the failure to issue an order under section 9(1)(h) would clearly compromise the attainment of the objectives set out in section 3 of the Act." (Broadcasting Decision 2004-197-1 and Broadcasting Decision 2004-198-1). Bell ExpressVu begins to use Nimiq 3 satelliteBell ExpressVu on August 23 initiated service on the Nimiq 3 broadcast satellite to boost its capacity and to enhance the quality of its signal. The additional capacity will enable the direct-to-home satellite TV distributor to introduce more interactive television (iTV) features. Nimiq 3 complements Bell ExpressVu’s existing services on Nimiq 1, launched on May 20, 1999, and Nimiq 2, launched December 29, 2002. Bell ExpressVu customers will not need any additional equipment to receive TV signals from Nimiq 3. MTS files winback complaint against Shaw CommunicationsManitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS) has filed a complaint with the CRTC in relation to Shaw Communications Inc.’s breach of broadcasting winback rules that prohibit incumbent cablecos from offering discounts or other inducements not generally offered to the public to customers who have told them they plan on canceling their basic cable TV service. MTS notes in the risks and uncertainties section of its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, that the complaint was filed on March 19, 2004. "This matter is now pending a decision by the CRTC. Should the CRTC rule in our favour, it may significantly reduce churn for our MTS TV service, with a consequent positive financial impact on the company’s operations in Manitoba," states the financial results released August 12. CTV seeks CRTC approval for overhaul of CTV NewsnetCTV Inc. has filed an application with the CRTC to overhaul its specialty TV channel CTV Newsnet to provide longer Canadian news programming. CTV says the specialty TV channel would still provide a headline news service under the proposed plan. The broadcaster is seeking a change in its licence conditions that require it to maintain a 15-minute wheel, with a few exceptions. CTV states that none of its English-language competitors have such a condition. "Since CTV Newsnet first went on air seven years ago, there’s been an explosion of news network choices for Canadians. Today there are nine English-language news networks, including American services CNN, CNN Headline News and CNBC, and the number is still growing with Fox News being the latest to seek to enter the Canadian market," said CTV News president Robert Hurst in an August 25 media release. "What we are asking for is the right to compete fairly with other news networks." The 15-minute rule was introduced in November 2001, following complaints by CBC Newsworld, which argued that CTV Newsnet was breaking its conditions of licence as a headline news service by broadcasting long-form news programming. It was a contentious decision, with four CRTC commissioners writing dissents (CCR, Dec. 6/01). Rogers adds Bollywood Oye! to its video on demand serviceRogers Cable announced August 26 that it was adding Bollywood Oye! to its video-on-demand service in Ontario. The cableco has partnered with Bollywood film distributors, such as Eros, to provide the latest Hindi releases as well as classics from every era. Rogers’ VOD customers in Toronto can access Bollywood Oye! on channel 350. The titles are priced at between $2.49 and $2.99 each. Alliance Atlantis rebranding IFC as the channel of cool moviesAlliance Atlantis Communications is in the process of rebranding its Category 1 Independent Film Channel under the slogan, "Where all the cool movies go." The makeover includes a new on-air look to come on September 13, and a print campaign under the heading "Life’s too short for movies that suck" that began August 26. Alliance Atlantis says that it is enhancing the channel with behind-the-scences access to movies, trivia, and DVD-style bonus elements and footage. It is also scheduling sexy late-night movies and series on Wednesday, during what it is dubbing "Hump Night." "...This new positioning will better convey the channel’s unique content, enabling us to attract more viewers and continue growing our audience," says Alliance Atlantis senior VP of marketing and creative services Walter Levitt. Conrad Black to give keynote at History Producers conferenceMedia mogul Conrad Black will give the keynote address at the fourth annual World Congress of History Producers on October 28 in Toronto. He will recount how he combined a wide variety of perspectives on Franklin Roosevelt from primary and secondary sources to write the historical biography Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom. Statistics Canada releases framework on culture statisticsStatistic Canada on August 23 announced that it had released a publication, Canadian Framework for Culture Statistics, that sets the framework for its culture statistics program. The aim of the program is to measure the culture industries in Canada. The publication provides definitions, concepts and analytical conventions that will be the foundation for future developments in culture statistics, the government agency said.

CCR Short Takes

Broadcast | August 27, 2004

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