Major broadcasters think that there should be a flexible contribution regime for Canadian programming – just so long as they don’t have to pay into it. The CRTC is continuing its hearings into the ramifications of the Online Streaming Act.
Tuesday’s session began...
TV service providers told the CRTC this week that cord-cutting by Canadians shouldn’t be the reason to give channels with mandatory carriage on basic packages higher monthly carriage fees. Shaw Communications Inc., Quebecor Inc. and Cogeco Inc. told the CRTC in a joint presentation during a hearing this week that they don’t oppose channels continuing to have mandatory carriage, but do oppose increases requested by the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (ATPN) and Vues & Voix. Dean Shaikh, vice-president of regulatory affairs at Shaw, said the companies “object to any expectation that [broadcast distribution undertakings] and our customers shelter programming services from the challenges facing the entire broadcasting industry.” APTN is asking for a five cent...
