CCR Short Takes

Quebec court decision on grey, black TV market appealedThe federal government has launched an appeal of the October 28 decision on signal theft in which a Quebec court declared that certain provisions of the Radiocommunication Act are contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (CCR, Nov. 8/04). "The federal government appeal will clarify this issue for the benefit of all stakeholders, including producers, actors, authors, broadcast service providers, as well as Canadian consumers," said Luc Perreault, co-chair of the Coalition Against Satellite Signal Theft (CASST). Broadcasters, distributors launch 31 Days of Great TVAn industry-wide programming, distribution and marketing initiative aimed at increasing the take-up of the diginets was officially announced this month (CCR Update, Nov. 24/04). Under the promotion, dubbed "31 Days of Great TV," more than 40 digital channels will be on free preview for the month of January. Special theme weekends during the month include: Exclusive (January 1-2), Family Time (January 7-9), Adrenalin (January 14-16), and I.Q. (January 21-23). Access Communications carrying Wild TV, TelelatinoCableco Access Communications Cooperative Ltd. announced last month that it is distributing Wild TV, and Telelatino. Access is so far the exclusive carrier of Calgary-based Wild TV, a hunting and fishing channel. It is available in Regina, Weyburn, Estevan, Yorkton, Melville and Battlefords as part of a Sports Extra package, and is currently on free preview. "We’ve tried to include a diverse mix of cultural specialty channels in our lineup, and the addition of Telelatino is a definite asset…," said Access VP of marketing Rick Fraser in a media release. Telelatino is priced at $1.95 per month as part of the cableco’s new Pick 5 or Pick 10 option. Planning Ahead joins Cossette’s Nucleus to form consultancyToronto-based Planning Ahead is joining Cossette Communication Group’s Nucleus to form a consultancy in the Canadian communications and marketing industry. Planning Ahead specializes in brand positioning and customer understanding. Harper calls for review of the Broadcasting ActIn a speech November 29 at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) convention in Ottawa, Conservative Party of Canada leader Stephen Harper called for a review of the Broadcasting Act. "…Though the CRTC has had a mostly positive influence on the development of broadcasting in Canada, I think it is fair to say that because of a lack of any renewed or forward-thinking government policy direction, it has also developed policies and practices that are out-dated, protectionist, and not meeting the audience’s demands," he said. "I can assure Canadians that we do not recommend eliminating the commission. This should be very clear. But we do believe a review of the Broadcasting Act is necessary, especially in light of the changing environment in which it must be implemented." He continued, "We believe, for example, that it is important to have a stable Canadian presence within our broadcasting system and the private sector is a vital element of that presence. However, a Conservative government, while requiring a level of Canadian content programming of Canadian private sector service-providers, would also provide more flexibility to determine what program mix will drive their businesses." Shaw adds 21,501 digital TV subscribers in first quarterShaw Communications Inc. announced December 6 that it had added 21,501 digital TV subscribers in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, representing growth of 4.7%. Shaw also stated that it has acquired 17,109 more basic cable TV customers. "The growth in customers highlights the success of our promotional programs, the strength of our bundles, and our focus on customer service and retention," said Shaw CEO Jim Shaw in a media release. Montreal World Film Festival to spotlight digital distributionThe digital distribution of films and TV programs will be spotlighted at a three-day international forum on new technologies to be held in conjunction with the next Montreal World Film Festival. The conference will take place from August 29 to 31 at the Hyatt Montreal hotel.

CCR Short Takes

Broadcast | December 6, 2004

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