Media Guild proposes inexpensive way for broadcasters to convert to digital OTA

The Canadian Media Guild (CMG) says it has come up with a cost-effective plan for implementing digital over-the-air in small markets but claims broadcasters are ignoring the proposal because they want to abandon OTA transmissions altogether. The union, which represents 6,000 workers in public and private broadcasting, says costs for converting analog transmitters to digital can be drastically brought down through a process called multiplexing, which allows broadcasters to split the cost of operating transmitters. Karen Wirsig, CMG communications coordinator, says the guild has commissioned research that shows that the average cost per broadcaster could be reduced to $22,000, compared to $132,000, if each broadcaster were to set up its own transmitter. “No broadcaster has shown interest, we have tried but no one would talk to us because I think they want to get out of it,” she says, adding that multiplexing is widely used in Europe and the U.S. Apart from easing financial burdens through cost splitting, multiplexing also enables the transmission of multi-channels on a single transmitter, providing greater choice for audiences in small markets, which will likely be most affected if OTA television is shut down, says Wirsig. A major hurdle in the provision of OTA television is the high cost of converting analog transmitters to digital and broadcasters’ reluctance to foot the cost. Last summer, CRTC chair Konrad von Finckenstein said broadcasters’ investments are falling short of what is required to make the switch to digital, observing that only 22 OTA digital transmitters have been put up compared to 740 for analog. Wirsig says last summer, CMG met with CRTC officials, who showed interest in the proposal but when the guild said it wanted to put the research on record, broadcasters showed a cold shoulder. In addition, the CMG requested a meeting with von Finckenstein but the request was turned down on the basis that the April 27 licence renewal hearings would provide ample opportunity for airing the proposal, CMG president Lise Lareau, wrote on her blog. Both the CMG and the CRTC support the transition from analog to digital OTA transmissions, saying it gives consumers a free alternative over cable and satellite. Broadcasters have long been wary of the financial feasibility of digital OTA, arguing that cable and satellite are better options for distributing digital television, given that the majority of Canadians—nearly nine out of ten—receive television through them. Last fall, reports emerged that broadcasters were holding secret meetings with the CRTC to discuss issues related to the licence renewal hearings and the conversion to digital by Aug. 31, 2011. In a decision released in late January, the CRTC “narrowed” the focus of the April hearings. But Elizabeth Roscoe, executive VP, strategic policy, and public affairs planning at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, says the CMG proposal is too simplistic and ignores several market factors, which can increase operating costs. She added that broadcasters will address issues regarding digital OTA in filings to the CRTC this week, for the April 27 licence renewal hearing. Ian Morrison, spokesman for the media watchdog, Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, also expressed scepticism about the CMG proposal. Although not aware of the technical details, he says he’s a little reserved about the proposal’s feasibility. Although it will have 10 minutes to make the case for its proposal at the April licence hearings, the CMG says it will continue the fight to involve broader participation in issues relating to digital OTA, vowing that it is now looking to take its case to the House of Commons Heritage Committee, says Wirsig.

Media Guild proposes inexpensive way for broadcasters to convert to digital OTA

News | 03/03/2009 6:48 pm EST

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