5. Odyssey (Odyssey Television Network Inc.) is distributed nationally and is licensed to serve Greek-language communities across Canada.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "5. Odyssey (Odyssey Television Network Inc.) is distributed nationally and is licensed to serve Greek-language communities across Canada."

Transcription

1 August 25th, 2004 Briefing on the RAI Issue Friends of Canadian Broadcasting is a non-profit Canada-wide watchdog group supported by 60,000 households. Our mission is to defend and enhance the quality and quantity of Canadian programming in the audio-visual system. We support the access of Canadians to a wide variety of foreign programming in radio and television; we also support the CRTC as an arms-length institution charged with balancing economic, cultural and democratic values. Overall, we believe that the Commission has done a good job of discharging its responsibilities, and we note that research we have sponsored over the past decade demonstrates that Canadians broadly share this view. 1 This note is intended to provide background information and context for the consideration of the expert panel to study policies and access to third-language public television services. Licensed Analog Ethnic Services 1. Telelatino (Telelatino Network Inc.) is distributed nationally and provides a minimum of 90 hours of ethnic programming per week. A maximum of 55% of this programming is directed to Italian audiences and a minimum of 45% to Hispanic/Spanish audiences. 2. Fairchild TV (Fairchild Television Ltd. formerly China Vision) is distributed nationally as a predominantly Cantonese specialty programming service. 3. Talentvision (Fairchild Television Ltd.) provides programming predominantly in Mandarin complemented by Vietnamese- and Korean-language programming. Talentvision s request for a licence amendment to change its status from that of a regional British Columbia service to one that has national distribution was approved in Decision CRTC While Talentvision remains an analog service in B.C., the Commission granted it digital carriage status outside of B.C. 4. SATV (South Asian Television Canada Limited, but primarily known as ATV) is distributed nationally and is licensed to serve South Asian communities in 15 South Asian languages, principally Hindi, supplemented by programming in English. 5. Odyssey (Odyssey Television Network Inc.) is distributed nationally and is licensed to serve Greek-language communities across Canada. 1 Note that Ipsos Reid s May 2004 polling data reveal that 82% of Canadians believe there is a great deal of or some need for the CRTC in Canada today (page 7).

2 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 2 Telelatino Background In Decision CRTC issued on May 24, 1984 the Commission approved an application by Emilio Mascia through his company Mascia Enterprises Ltd and a group of five other Italian Canadian business people to establish Telelatino. Under the original shareholders agreement Mascia Enterprises Ltd. controlled 67.5% and each of the other five shareholders had blocks of less than 10%. Under the terms of the original licence, 55% of the programming was to be Italian and 45% was to be Spanish. Approximately ten years ago, Shaw Cable acquired a 20% interest in Telelatino, which was subsequently transferred to a related company, Corus (78% voting control in the hands of J. R. Shaw). In Decision CRTC dated October the Commission approved an application by Corus Entertainment Inc. on behalf of Telelatino Network Inc. to acquire effective control of TLN by acquiring an additional 30.5% of TLN s voting shares. As a result of this transaction, Corus acquired control of TLN and its ownership stake increased from 20% to 50.5%. From its inception, RAI programming formed a significant part of the Telelatino schedule and was very much a subscription driver when the service first started. While the importance of RAI programming to Telelatino has dropped over the years, it is still an important source of Italian language programming. RAI is known to be a very political entity and, over the past two years we understand they have gradually withdrawn programming from Telelatino, most recently culminating in the loss of RAI news. RAI currently distributes a North American service by satellite in the United States comprised of about 20 hours of programming per week. It would appear that RAI would simply like to drop this service into Canada. They would be able to do this at very little incremental cost as the signal is already on an American satellite which we understand most Canadian cable companies can receive. The addition of RAI to the eligible list was sponsored by Rogers. This sponsorship is interesting in its own right because Rogers also owns the OMNI stations. Because of the program supply agreement that Telelatino has had with RAI (essentially an output deal), OMNI carries very little RAI programming. It would seem reasonable to conclude that if RAI were carried directly by cable in Canada, Telelatino would need to access Italian programming from an alternative source which could increase competition, and therefore acquisition prices for both OMNI and Telelatino. Telelatino owns several Category 2 licences and we understand hopes to launch Leonardo, an Italian lifestyle channel, Music Italia ( Music videos) and Sky News (Italian news through B Sky B (controlled by Rupert Murdoch) Corus has a Category 2 licence to establish RAI Canada. This application was based in part on a schedule which would include the 20 hours of programming included in the RAI U.S. service mentioned above. We consider that the RAI Canada Category 2 licence would be an appropriate way for Italian-speaking viewers to access RAI, because, unlike the Rogers application, it would not undermine the cross-subsidy model which underlies the CRTC policies to protect and grow Canadian services (as a portion of the service is Canadian programming, carriage results in a contribution to the Canadian broadcasting system).

3 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 3 Our primary concerns with the current RAI process are as follows: 1. The CRTC has a clear policy on protecting Canadian services from the introduction of foreign services which would be competitive. This policy emerged over decades in the belief that a Canadian service, even if partnered with a U.S. specialty service or foreign program supplier, makes a significant contribution to the Canadian broadcasting system, whereas a foreign service makes no contribution. In the attached spreadsheet we have included pertinent data from the 2003 CRTC annual returns for each of the ethnic services which are currently distributed on analog. It is noteworthy that in 2003 these services cumulatively spent nearly $11M on Canadian programming. In each case the services have one or more key program supply agreements for the acquisition of non-canadian programming. The ability to watch the current hot programs in Hong Kong, Italy, Greece or south Asia has traditionally been the driver that gets people to sign up for the services in the first place. This marketing approach is essentially the same as, and derived from, the cross-subsidy model which has developed over six decades in English language conventional television wherein the profits from highly-rated U.S. network programs are used to cross-subsidize the cost of Canadian programming. In the case of ethnic programming, the Commission has recognized that crosssubsidization is an absolute necessity for a viable industry. This is why, under the terms of the Ethnic Policy, 40% of an ethnic station s (CFMT in Toronto or CJNT in Montreal) schedule may be comprised of conventional English programming provided that 75% of prime time is comprised of ethnic programming. Similarly, the Commission realizes that some ethnocultural communities have sufficient population and financial ability to support programming, while others do not. In the case of CFMT, as an example, Italian, Chinese and Portuguese programming are likely profitable while programming in most other languages is not. CFMT is required to broadcast in 15 languages, which means that 12 lose money. If the RAI decision were turned around and RAI were to achieve direct access as an eligible foreign service, why would HK-TVB, (China) ERT, Antenna Television, (Greece) the Berlusconi network (Italy) or any other foreign service, for that matter, not expect to be carried in Canada on a direct basis. This domino process would undermine the economic viability of each of the Canadian services who rely on the foreign programming as a key component to building and maintaining their subscription base. By extension why would U.S. specialty services that are not presently carried or those that are presently partnered with Canadian services not expect to be carried on a direct basis. 2. Where there is no existing Canadian service, it would be reasonable to conclude that this is because a Canadian-based service is not economically viable. In this latter instance, it would be logical to support the notion that foreign services should be approved so that these smaller ethnocultural communities can enjoy the same access to television programming in their own language as the larger communities do.

4 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 4 3. We believe that RAI and Rogers are attempting to pressure the CRTC by using the strong Italian-Canadian parliamentary lobby to end run the CRTC in order to have the RAI service made available on a direct basis with no contribution whatsoever to Canadian programming or the Canadian broadcasting system. If they were to succeed, this would undermine the cross-subsidy model by creating a precedent for direct carriage, and send a message that a foreign entity with Canadian accomplices can subvert Canadian public policy. It could also provide an unwelcome example of interference in CRTC process by politicians. Subject to confirmation of the accuracy of the information contained herein, it would appear that a solution to the access problem is at hand: the Corus Category 2 RAI Canada service. All that is needed for that service to operate is the cooperation of RAI in supplying programming as originally agreed with Corus when this application was submitted two years ago. For other services from communities where a Canadian broadcasting licence is not economically viable, government policy should encourage the Commission to use its discretion to allow foreign public broadcasting services onto the eligible carriage list, subject to periodic review. Thanks for the invitation to submit our views. We wish you success in your deliberations. Ian Morrison Spokesperson

5 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 5 Category 2 ethnic digital services Decision Licensee Name of Service Target Audience Ontario Inc. Festival Portuguese Television Portuguese 498 Ana Canada Ana Canada Arabic 644 Asian Television Network Inc. Arab TV Network Arabic 645 Television Network Caribbean & African Network Caribbean & African International Limited 511 Caribe Canada Caribe Canada Caribbean & African 513 CFMT, a division of Rogers International Film Festival 20+ different groups Broadcasting Ltd. Channel (IFFC) 521 Corus Entertainment Inc. RAI Canada Italian 704 Fairchild Media Group The Fairchild Body and Soul Channel Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Vietnamese 705 Fairchild Media Group The Fairchild Children's Channel and other East Asian 706 Fairchild Media Group The Fairchild Food Channel communities 707 Fairchild Media Group The Fairchild Movie Channel 708 Fairchild Media Group The Fairchild Music Channel 709 Fairchild Media Group The Fairchild News Channel 710 Fairchild Media Group The Fairchild Spiritual Channel 731 Fairchild Media Group The Fairchild Technology Channel 583 Global Television Network Inc. Tele-Filipino Filipino 594 HTV Canada HTV Canada Spanish 595 I.T. Productions Ltd. Rang Punjabi Punjabi 596 I.T. Productions Ltd. Garvi Gujarat Gujarati 599 Jang Sung Lee Doragi Television Network Korean 635 Network Italia Network Italia Italian 636 Network Television NTI Tamil Service Tamil International 641 NRT Canada NRT Canada Russian 642 Odyssey Television Network Odyssey II Greek Inc. 647 PSN Canada PSN Canada Spanish 648 Ravinder Singh Pannu SSTV Punjabi 676 Sitcom Canada Sitcom Canada Italian 646 South Asian Television ATN MultiCultural Channel Various cultures Network International Limited 681 South Asian Television Telegu Channel Telegu Network International Limited 682 South Asian Television Gujarati Channel Gujarati Network International Limited 683 South Asian Television Hindi Movie Channel Hindi Network International Limited 684 South Asian Television Urdu Channel Urdu Network International Limited 685 South Asian Television (ATN) Tamil Channel Tamil Network International Limited Decision Licensee Name of Service Target Audience South Asian Television Punjabi Channel Punjabi Network International Limited 700 Teletoon Canada Inc. TELETOON MULTI Various 703 The Eurasian Canadian NTV International Russian Television Network 722 TV Chile Canada TV Chile Canada Hispanic 694 Telemundo Canada Telemundo Canada Hispanic

6 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page TV Italy TV Italy Italian 724 Video Italia Video Italia Italian 728 Xybermedia Inc. Balkan Express Serbo-Croatian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Rumanian, Macedonian Slovenian, Albanian and Turkish 730 Xybermedia Inc. Luso! TV Portuguese Decision Licensee Name of Service Target Audience Persian Vision Inc. Persian Vision Persian 420 Tamil Vision Inc. Tamil Channel Tamil 2.3 Other types of ethnic television services available in Canada Over-the-air ethnic television stations In addition to Canadian ethnic specialty services, the Commission has licensed or authorized other sources of ethnic television programming services in Canada. These include the following: Licensee Station CanWest Global CJNT-TV Montréal Rogers Broadcasting Inc. CFMT-TV Toronto & CFMT-TV-1 London CFMT-TV-2 Ottawa Foreign ethnic satellite services In addition to licensed Canadian ethnic services, the following foreign ethnic services are included on the CRTC s List of Eligible Satellite Services: ART America (Arabic) Deutsche Welle (German) Black Entertainment Television The Filipino Channel TV Japan TV Polonia (Polish) WMNB-TV: Russian-American Broadcasting Company Attached is an intervention from Odyssey Television Network (Greek) on the proposed additions to the eligible list which makes many of the arguments which are relevant to this issue.

7 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 7 ODYSSEY TELEVISION NETWORK INC. 437 Danforth Ave., Toronto, Ontario M4K 1P1 Tel: (416) * Fax: (416) VIA FACSIMILE AND ELECTRONIC MAIL August 11, 2003 Diane Rheaume Secretary General Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission 1 Promenade de Portage Terrasses de la Chaudiere Gatineau, QC K1A 0N2 Dear Ms. Reaume: Re: Public Notice CRTC ("PN ") Call for Comments on Proposals for the addition of non-canadian satellite services to the lists of services eligible for digital distribution 1. This letter of intervention is being filed on behalf of Odyssey Television Network Inc. ("OTN"), the operator of an ethnic specialty service known as "Odyssey Television Network" and a Category 2 digital specialty service known as "Odyssey II" (collectively referred to herein as the "OTN Networks"). This letter sets out the intervention of OTN in opposition to all of the proposals to add foreign satellite services ("Proposed Foreign Services") to the lists of eligible satellite services (the "Lists") being considered in PN (more specifically items 1 to 15 as listed in the appendix to PN ). The basis for OTN s opposition to the Proposed Foreign Services is based upon such services being competitive with OTN and other Canadian licensed pay and speciality services for the reasons set out below. Background 2. The Odyssey Television Network was licensed in 1996 as an ethnic specialty programming service available for analog and digital distribution on a discretionary basis. The Odyssey Television Network was launched in December of 1998 on the Star Choice DTH system and on Rogers cable. Intervention In November 2000, Odyssey II was licensed as an ethnic Category 2 digital specialty service available for digital distribution only and Odyssey II was launched on Rogers cable in November In paragraph 4 of PN , the Commission indicates that it "intends to assess the current requests in the context of its general policy which, among other things, precludes the addition of new non-canadian satellite services that can be considered either totally or partially competitive with Canadian specialty or pay television services." In the following paragraph of PN , the Commission makes it clear that "in applying this policy, the Commission will take into account the descriptions of all speciality and pay television programming undertakings whose licence applications have been approved by the Commission to date. These include all analog specialty television and pay television

8 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 8 services as well as the Category 1 and Category 2 specialty programming services approved in Decisions CRTC to and all other Category 2 services licensed to date." This policy also includes all Category 2 services licensed, including those that have yet to be distributed. 4. The Commission s policy permits new Canadian services to become established and to develop a Canadian audience without having to launch into an environment where an existing foreign service has already developed audience loyalty. In addition, it ensures that in the early stages of the launch of a new Canadian service, such new Canadian service does not have to compete with an established foreign service which has support in another country. Such competition for subscribers and audiences, particularly in a digital environment, puts the licensed Canadian service at a disadvantage, particularly since it must provide Canadian programming whose cost is not amortized across several territories. 5. The opposition of OTN to adding the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists is based on the following: (a) the Commission s existing policy to not add foreign services to the Lists that would be wholly or partially competitive with licensed Canadian services on two levels: (i) (ii) the Proposed Foreign Services offer programming that is wholly or partially competitive with already existing licensed Canadian pay and specialty services; the Proposed Foreign Services, if authorized for distribution in Canada, will result in such non-canadian services competing with existing licensed Canadian services for scarce distribution space on Canadian broadcasting distribution undertakings ("BDUs"); and (b) the Proposed Foreign Services will not provide Canadian programming or other benefits to the Canadian broadcasting system. Competitive with Canadian Pay and Specialty Services 6. OTN submits that the Proposed Foreign Services are wholly or partially competitive with several existing licensed Canadian pay and specialty services. Attached as Schedule "A" to this intervention is a chart listing the Proposed Foreign Services and the Canadian services that they are competitive with. 7. The Commission s policy states that a foreign service will not be added to the Lists where it is wholly or partially competitive with existing licensed services. The policy does not imply that to be "wholly or partially competitive" the programming of the foreign service must be identical to the programming of the licensed Canadian services. Such a narrow interpretation would not be reasonable. In fact, by past action, OTN submits that the Commission has adopted a reasonable and broader interpretation as it has on several occasions denied the addition of a foreign service to the Lists even where the

9 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 9 programming of the foreign service is not identical to that offered by Canadian licensed services The determination as to whether a foreign service is competitive should not be based on whether that service offers the exact same programs as a like Canadian service but rather should be based on a review of the overall service format of such foreign service. By this criterion, the Proposed Foreign Services will be competitive with those Canadian services listed in Schedule "A" hereto and, as such, the requests to include the Proposed Foreign Services on the Lists should all be denied. Competitive for Distribution Space 9. The approval of the Proposed Foreign Services for inclusion on the Lists will also increase the demand that exists for scarce distribution space on Canadian BDUs. OTN submits that this another form of competition that the Commission should consider in its review of requests to add foreign services to the Lists. 10. In a competitive environment, such as that experienced by Category 2 services, there is no guarantee of carriage. Each service is required to make its own deal with Canadian BDUs. Obviously, the greater the space available on a Canadian BDU, the greater the likelihood of a service gaining carriage. The same is true for ethnic specialty services like the Odyssey Television Network where the population level does not require mandatory distribution 3. Without the addition of new foreign services, Category 2 services and ethnic services are currently experiencing great difficulty in gaining carriage due to a lack of distribution space on Canadian BDUs. 11. OTN notes that the recent decisions of the Commission in Broadcasting Decision CRTC and Broadcasting Decision (see also Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC ) will limit the capacity available on the Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice DTH Systems for the distribution of new Canadian services. In these decisions the Commission has mandated that up to two (2) transponders each be used by Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice for the distribution of local television signals. This is two (2) transponders on each system that will not be available for the carriage of new Canadian signals thereby decreasing an already low level of supply. By authorizing the addition of the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists, increased competition for this lower capacity will necessarily result. 12. OTN submits that competition for distribution space is equally as important as competition with a similar service for audience based on a similar programming format. In fact, competition for distribution space may be more important, as without a distribution means a service does not have a chance to develop an audience at all. OTN submits that it is in the interests of the Canadian broadcasting system that the Commission consider the effect that approving the Proposed Foreign Services for inclusion on the Lists will have on the ability of Canadian services to gain distribution. OTN further submits that the Commission, in its consideration of the request to add the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists, must take into consideration the level of capacity of Canadian BDUs. In circumstances as exist today where there is limited space 2 See Public Notice CRTC and Public Notice CRTC Subsection 18(5)(c)(ii) of the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations, SOR/97-555, as amended.

10 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 10 available, and even declining space (see paragraph 11 above) and Canadian services are not able to easily gain distribution, requests to add non-canadian services to the Lists should and indeed must be denied. 13. To illustrate the difficulty being faced by Canadian services in gaining carriage of their services, The Commission only has to look at the experience of OTN. 14. Following the introduction of digital service, Canadian Cable companies have consistently hyped such digital service as having unlimited capacity. Such companies themselves, or through organizations such as the Canadian Cable Television Association, have used this "unlimited capacity" potential as the reason for gaining access to a greater number of foreign services. However, since the launch of Odyssey Television Network in 1998, OTN has found this "unlimited capacity" to be non-existent. OTN has approached numerous Canadian BDUs to try to gain carriage of the Odyssey Television Network on the digital tier of those systems. However, OTN has received denials to its request in most cases, with the Canadian BDUs claiming that they are currently assessing their digital capacity or that there is no more capacity to allow for the distribution of the Odyssey Television Network and a rebuild of their plant is needed before such distribution can take place. 15. The lack of space has also put Canadian services at a severe disadvantage in terms of bargaining with Canadian BDUs. This lack of power has resulted in unfair financial demands being put on services such as the OTN Networks in order to gain carriage. These unfair demands have included requiring the Canadian services to pay for upgrades to Canadian BDUs headends/systems be a pre-condition to carriage, Canadian BDUs demanding and receiving a higher portion of the revenues received from subscribers (60% and upwards) and the imposition by BDUs of questionable marketing fees. This situation still exists today. 16. OTN also notes that other services, such as non-ethnic Category 2 and, in some cases, foreign services have been added to Canadian BDUs, digital services across Canada ahead of Odyssey Television Network an analog discretionary service licensed in In fact, it took over five years of negotiations with Bell ExpressVu to gain carriage for Odyssey Television Network and OTN is still trying to gain carriage for this service on most other Canadian BDUs across Canada. 17. The situation did not approve when OTN launched Odyssey II in the fall of At that time, OTN contacted several Canadian BDUs in order to plan for the launch of Odyssey II. Despite numerous efforts, only Rogers Cable agreed to carry the service and most of the other BDUs declined citing the reasons stated above, including lack of capacity. 18. Faced with this reality, OTN fails to understand how the Proposed Foreign Services will gain distribution on Canadian BDUs when, based on OTN s experience, virtually no excess capacity exists. With limited digital capacity available on Canadian BDUs, approval by the Commission of additional non-canadian services will make matters much worse for Canadian services and may make it virtually impossible for these Canadian services, such as the OTN Networks, to gain carriage at financially viable terms and conditions. This lack of capacity will also hamper the ability of Canadian Category 2 services to launch their services in the near term, thereby having the effect of weakening the presence of licenced Canadian services in the Canadian digital broadcasting market.

11 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page However, if capacity does exists to distribute the Proposed Foreign Services, OTN submits that this capacity would, and indeed should, be better utilized for the purposes of distributing Canadian services. 20. OTN submits that all currently licensed Canadian services should be afforded higher priority for carriage on the digital tier of Canadian BDUs ahead of all approved foreign services. In the alternative, OTN submits that there should be a moratorium, for a minimum of two (2) years, on the addition of new foreign services to the Lists in order to allow for the new licenced Canadian services the opportunity to gain carriage on Canadian BDUs. The implementation of one of the above (higher priority to Canadian services or moratorium on the addition of new foreign services) will allow for the maximum use by Canadian services of the digital capacity as exists today on Canadian BDUs. 21. The implementation of the above framework as outlined in paragraph 20 above is only fair as the CRTC s Category 2 licensing framework already offers foreign services the opportunity to join with Canadian partners to apply for Category 2 licenses to enter the Canadian broadcasting system. In fact, several have taken advantage of this framework in the past and have been granted a Canadian licence OTN notes that Odyssey II is an example of this type of partnership. Odyssey II obtains a significant portion of its foreign Greek programming from MEGA COSMOS, the number 1 ranked television network in Greece. MEGA COSMOS could have sought permission to be added to the Lists like the Proposed Foreign Services but by being part of Odyssey II, the Canadian broadcasting system is strengthened as it will help Odyssey II gain audience and make a full contribution to the system as a Canadian broadcaster. 23. For ethnic foreign services, OTN submits, the ability to be added to the Lists should be denied and such services should be required to obtain Canadian partners to gain access to Canada. In doing so will provide for a level playing field with licensed ethnic Canadian services. In many cases, foreign ethnic services have a number of significant cost advantages over Canadian ethnic services (i.e., such services do not pay transmission fees, most are funded by governments or large corporations and can afford to give away the service for almost free). By allowing foreign services direct access to the Canadian broadcasting market this will make it less attractive for a Canadian ethnic service to spend the capital necessary to build a Canadian service. Why would a Canadian service be started when the audience is already captured by the foreign service? 24. Furthermore, based on the precedent set by approving the addition of the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists, foreign services may break existing ties with ethnic Category 2 services and negotiate directly with BDU s for carriage and/or work with sponsors such as the CCTA or others in order to gain direct access to the Canadian market. This will put licensed Category 2 ethnic services that are currently operating at great risk. The approval of the Proposed Foreign Services will likely make programming 4 See also for example: All TV (Decision CRTC ), Festival Portuguese Television (Decision CRTC ), ATN-Alpha Punjabi (Decision CRTC ), Inner Peace Television Network (Decision CRTC ), TechTV Canada (Decision CRTC ), National Geographic Channel Canada (Decision CRTC ) to name a few.

12 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 12 contract renewals with foreign services more difficult and such services could threaten to seek approval to be added to the Lists. This will likely result in associated programming costs increasing substantially, lessening already razor thin profit margins. OTN submits that the net result of approving of the request to add the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists will hamper Canadian entrepreneurship, growth opportunities and damage the Canadian broadcasting system. 25. An example of this breakdown of the ties between a foreign service and that of a Canadian partner is evidenced by two of the foreign services being considered in this proceeding. Both RAI and TV Chile had previously partnered with Canadian partners, Corus Entertainment Inc. for RAI and Telelatino Network Inc. for TV Chile, in order to seek distribution in Canada through Category 2 digital specialty licences By Broadcasting Decisions CRTC and , the CRTC has granted licences to RAI Canada and as well as TV Chile Canada, respectively. Both of Corus Entertainment Inc. and Telelatino Network Inc. are affiliates of Shaw Cable and the Star Choice Television Network. Instead of launching the licenced Category 2 services, it is now being proposed that these two foreign services be allowed to be distributed directly. 26. One of the effects of approving the addition of RAI and TV Chile to the Lists is not readily apparent. As affiliates of Shaw Cable and Star Choice, the distribution of RAI Canada and/or TV Chile Canada (as Category 2 services) would have required Shaw and/or Star Choice to distribute at least five non-affiliated services. If the request to add RAI and TV Chile to the Lists is approved, both Shaw and Star Choice will be able to distribute their programming directly without the requirement to distribute additional unaffiliated services. 27. OTN submits that the purpose of the Commission's affiliate rule is to ensure the equitable distribution of programming services that are not affiliated with a Canadian BDU. Presumably, this policy was also established to assist non-affiliated services gain distribution on Canadian BDUs. By approving of the Proposed Foreign Services, more specifically, RAI and TV Chile, to be added to the Lists, the public interest rationale behind the Commission's affiliate policy will be circumvented and the benefits to the Canadian Broadcasting System that such policy was to achieve will be negated. 28. OTN submits that approving of the requests to add the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists will increase the already high level of competition for scarce distribution capacity on Canadian BDUs. The Commission must take this form of competition into account in assessing the Proposed Foreign Services. Canadian services and especially Canadian ethnic services need more help to gain carriage. By increasing pressure in a market already short supply of space will only hinder these efforts. No Benefits to the Canadian Broadcasting System 29. Canadian specialty and pay services are required to devote a minimum percentage of their programming, both in the broadcast day and in the key evening hours of 6 PM to midnight, to Canadian programs. Canadian specialty and pay services also are required to invest in facilities in Canada.

13 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page Canadian broadcasters provide additional opportunities for existing Canadian programmers and employ Canadian workers. Canadian broadcasters also provide a vehicle to showcase Canadian artists and allow for the growth of Canadian programming. 31. Canadian broadcasts also employ a number of technical, sales, administrative and other staff and use Canadian uplink and distribution services. All of these will generate employment and other economic benefits for Canadians. 32. Canadian broadcasters are also subject to requirements for closed capturing, descriptive video and are required to abide by Canadian programming codes. All of which are designed to enhance the viewing experience of Canadians. Canadian broadcasters support, enhance and protect the Canadian broadcasting system. 33. By contrast, if the Proposed Foreign Services are added to the Lists, as they are under no Canadian content requirements, they will essentially dump a signal into Canada with absolutely no Canadian programming, with no coverage of events in Canada and will make little or no use of Canadian facilities. The Proposed Foreign Services are not required to follow Canadian broadcasting standards and programming codes, making it difficult to hold such services accountable for their programming content. There is no requirement for such services to offer closed-captioning and for descriptive video. The approval of the Proposed Foreign Services will add no new economic opportunities for Canadians and the Canadian broadcasting system will not be improved. Conclusion 34. OTN submits that the application of the Commission s policy regarding the consideration of new Foreign services should result in the request to add the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists being denied as such services are competitive with already existing Canadian licenced pay and specialty services. 35. Many Canadian services are experiencing difficulty gaining distribution on Canadian BDUs. The approval of the Proposed Foreign Services will provide for increased competition for this capacity. OTN submits that the Commission should take this form of competition into account in assessing the approval of new foreign services. Based on this, the request to add the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists should be denied. 36. OTN also submits that the distribution of Canadian pay and specialty services should be granted a higher level of priority for distribution on Canadian BDUs than foreign services. Without distribution, licenced Canadian services can not operate. 37. In the alternative, OTN submits that there should be a moratorium on the addition of new foreign services to the Lists for a period of at least two (2) years to allow new Canadian services the opportunity to gain carriage on Canadian BDUs. 38. The Proposed Foreign Services will not add any tangible benefits to the Canadian broadcasting system. The Proposed Foreign Services will not generate any new Canadian programming nor will such services hire any Canadians or use Canadian facilities nor will they have to follow Canadian rules. For the reasons outlined above, the approval of the Proposed Foreign Services will likely cause significant harm to the Canadian broadcasting system and as such, such approval should be denied.

14 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page In order to protect Canadian ethnic services and allow them the opportunity to grow and become strong Canadian broadcasters, foreign ethnic services should be required to join with Canadian partners and apply for a Category 2 licence. This should be the only method for foreign ethnic services to gain distribution in the Canadian market. These services should not be able to gain access to the Canadian broadcasting market through the back door by being placed on the Lists. Requiring these services to obtain a broadcasting licence with Canadian partners will strengthen the Canadian broadcasting system and create opportunities for Canadians broadcasters. This will also provide financial stability for existing ethnic Canadian services operating in the digital domain like the OTN Networks. 40. For the reasons set out above, OTN respectfully submits that the Commission should deny the requests to add the Proposed Foreign Services to the Lists. 41. A copy of this intervention has been provided to the each of the sponsors of the Proposed Foreign Services. Yours truly, ODYSSEY TELEVISION NETWORK INC. Per: Peter Manitakos cc. Canadian Cable Television Association Videotron Ltee Rogers Cable Inc.

15 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 15 Schedule A Proposed Foreign Service (Item# on appendix PN ) and Type of Programming A. Al Jazeera (Item 1) -Arabic language news, sports and discussion programming ART Movies (Item 2) -Arabic language programming including movies, live events and interview shows LBC America (Item 10) -Arabic language general interest programming Competing Existing Canadian Services Canadian Arabic Television Network (Decision CRTC ) ANA Canada (Decision CRTC ) Arabic Television Network (Decision CRTC ) Arab Television Network (Decision CRTC ) Arab Canada (Decision CRTC ) Persian Vision (Decision CRTC ) World News TV (Decision CRTC ) B. Azteca 13 International (Item 3) -Spanish language general interest programming Cural SUR (Item 4) -Spanish language news, sports, talk shows, variety shows, children shows and live events Cine Latino (Item 5) -Spanish language programming consisting primarily of films Grandes documentales de TVE (Item 9) -Spanish language original programming consisting of documentaries Telelatino Television Network (Decision CRTC ) Telemundo Canada (Decision CRTC ) HTV Canada (Decision CRTC ) TV Chile Canada (Decision CRTC ) PSN Canada (Decision CRTC ) TV Chile (Item 13) -Spanish language programming consisting of family oriented programming, news and dramas TVE International (Item 14) -Spanish language general interest programming including films, dramas, news, documentaries Utilisima (Item 15) -Spanish language programming targeted primarily to women C. RAI International (Item 11) -Italian language general interest programming including dramas, films, music, sports and religious programming Telelatino Television Network TV Italy (Decision CRTC ) Video Italia (Decision CRTC )

16 Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, page 16 RAI Canada (Decision CRTC ) Network Italia (Decision CRTC ) Inner Peace Television Network (Decision CRTC ) D. Eurochannel (Item 6) -Programming consisting of films from Spain, France, the United Kingdom and Italy. Films are shown in its original language with subtitles in Spanish or Portgueses Spanish languages services listed in Section B above Italian language services listed in Section C above Festival Portuguesse Television (Decision CRTC ) Luso! TV (Decision CRTC ) World Film Channel (Decision CRTC ) International Film Festival Channel (IFFC) (Decision CRTC ) The World Cinema Channel (Decision CRTC ) E. Gol TV (Item 8) -Soccer related programming originating from Mexico, Spain and the United States. The programming will be in Spanish and English Spanish language services listed in Section B above. Multilingual Sports (Decision CRTC ) Fox Sports World Canada (Decision CRTC ) F. Romanian Television International (RTVI) (Item 12) -Romanian language general interest programming including films, mini-series, news and public affairs shows Balkan Express (Decision CRTC ) (End of Odyssey submission)

8 March Ms. Diane Rhéaume Secretary-General Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON2

8 March Ms. Diane Rhéaume Secretary-General Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON2 8 March 2007 Ms. Diane Rhéaume Secretary-General Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON2 Re: Broadcasting Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2007-1, Item 19 - Application

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2017-145 PDF version References: 2016-225, 2016-225-1, 2016-225-2, 2016-225-3 and 2016-225-4 Ottawa, 15 May 2017 Corus Entertainment Inc. Across Canada Application 2016-0022-1

More information

Re: Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC Item 1 Application No , The Sports Network Inc.

Re: Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC Item 1 Application No , The Sports Network Inc. 27 July 2006 Ms. Diane Rhéaume Secretary-General Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON2 Re: Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-79 - Item 1 Application No. 2006-06942-9,

More information

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2016-364 PDF version Reference: 2016-76 Ottawa, 8 September 2016 General authorizations for broadcasting distribution undertakings The Commission amends the general

More information

OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section

OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section Country: CANADA Date completed: June 29, 2000 1 Broadcasting services available BROADCASTING 1. Please provide details of the broadcasting and cable

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2018-307 PDF version References: 2017-365, 2017-365-1 and 2017-365-2 Ottawa, 23 August 2018 Vues & Voix Across Canada Public record for this application: 2017-0643-3 Public hearing

More information

3. CBC/Radio-Canada opposes Rogers request on the following grounds:

3. CBC/Radio-Canada opposes Rogers request on the following grounds: 12 June 2006 Ms. Diane Rhéaume Secretary-General Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON2 Re: Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-58- Item 6, Application by Rogers

More information

Broadcasting Order CRTC

Broadcasting Order CRTC Broadcasting Order CRTC 2012-409 PDF version Route reference: 2011-805 Additional references: 2011-601, 2011-601-1 and 2011-805-1 Ottawa, 26 July 2012 Amendments to the Exemption order for new media broadcasting

More information

Broadcasting Ordinance (Chapter 562)

Broadcasting Ordinance (Chapter 562) Broadcasting Ordinance (Chapter 562) Notice is hereby given that the Communications Authority ( CA ) has received an application from Phoenix Hong Kong Television Limited ( Phoenix HK ), a company duly

More information

FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL. - and - NOTICE OF MOTION (Motion for Leave to Appeal)

FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL. - and - NOTICE OF MOTION (Motion for Leave to Appeal) Court File No. FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL B E T W E E N: BELL CANADA and BELL MEDIA INC. Applicants - and - ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADA Respondent NOTICE OF MOTION (Motion for Leave to Appeal) TAKE NOTICE

More information

PUBLIC INTEREST ADVOCACY CENTRE LE CENTRE POUR LA DÉFENSE DE L INTÉRÊT PUBLIC

PUBLIC INTEREST ADVOCACY CENTRE LE CENTRE POUR LA DÉFENSE DE L INTÉRÊT PUBLIC PUBLIC INTEREST ADVOCACY CENTRE LE CENTRE POUR LA DÉFENSE DE L INTÉRÊT PUBLIC The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is a non-profit organization based in Ottawa, Ontario that provides advocacy and

More information

Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2. Dear Mr.

Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2. Dear Mr. September 27, 2011 Filed Electronically Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 Dear Mr. Morin: Re: Broadcasting Notice

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2017-78 PDF version Reference: 2016-465 Ottawa, 21 March 2017 Gimaa Giigidoowin Communications M Chigeeng, Ontario Applications 2015-0961-3 and 2016-1052-7, received 25 August

More information

Re: Public Notice CRTC : Diversity of Voices Proceeding

Re: Public Notice CRTC : Diversity of Voices Proceeding July 18, 2007 Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary-General CRTC Ottawa, ON K1A 0N2 Dear Mr. Morin: Re: Public Notice CRTC 2007 5: Diversity of Voices Proceeding 1. is an independent watchdog for Canadian programming

More information

GUIDELINES. LOW BUDGET Production Program

GUIDELINES. LOW BUDGET Production Program GUIDELINES LOW BUDGET Production Program GUIDELINES Low Budget Production Program Table of Contents Table of Contents... 2 1. Mandate... 3 2. Structure... 3 3. Low Budget Production Program Overview...

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2008-341 Ottawa, 5 December 2008 Clovys Communications Inc. Across Canada Application 2008-0748-0, received 29 May 2008 Public Hearing in the National Capital Region 24 September

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2018-318 PDF version Reference: Part 1 licence renewal applications posted on 27 November 2017 Ottawa, 27 August 2018 Knowledge Network Corporation British Columbia Knowledge-West

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2015-449 PDF version Reference: 2015-136 Ottawa, 1 October 2015 Kosiner Venture Capital Inc. Across Canada Application 2014-1329-4, received 17 December 2014 Public hearing in

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2018-228 PDF version Reference: Part 1 licence renewal applications posted on 27 November 2017 Ottawa, 5 July 2018 DHX Television Ltd. Across Canada Public record for these applications:

More information

Submission to Inquiry into subscription television broadcasting services in South Africa. From Cape Town TV

Submission to Inquiry into subscription television broadcasting services in South Africa. From Cape Town TV Submission to Inquiry into subscription television broadcasting services in South Africa From Cape Town TV 1 1. Introduction 1.1 Cape Town TV submits this document in response to the invitation by ICASA

More information

Review of the regulatory frameworks for broadcasting distribution undertakings and discretionary programming services

Review of the regulatory frameworks for broadcasting distribution undertakings and discretionary programming services Review of the regulatory frameworks for broadcasting distribution undertakings and discretionary programming services CRTC 2007-10 Presentation by Ian Morrison, Spokesperson April 8, 2008 Most importantly,

More information

21 December Mr. Michael Helm Director General Telecommunications Policy Branch Industry Canada 300 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8

21 December Mr. Michael Helm Director General Telecommunications Policy Branch Industry Canada 300 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8 21 December 2001 Don Woodford Director - Government & Regulatory Affairs Mr. Michael Helm Director General Telecommunications Policy Branch Industry Canada 300 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8 Dear

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2011-450 PDF version Route reference: 2011-55 Ottawa, 28 July 2011 AEBC Internet Corp. Vancouver and Lower Mainland, British Columbia Application 2010-1653-5, received 9 November

More information

INDEPENDENT BROADCAST GROUP (IBG) LE GROUPE DE DIFFUSEURS INDÉPENDANTS (GDI)

INDEPENDENT BROADCAST GROUP (IBG) LE GROUPE DE DIFFUSEURS INDÉPENDANTS (GDI) INDEPENDENT BROADCAST GROUP (IBG) LE GROUPE DE DIFFUSEURS INDÉPENDANTS (GDI) Filed electronically April 2, 2009 Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

More information

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-380 PDF version Reference: 2015-86 Ottawa, 19 August 2015 General authorizations for broadcasting distribution undertakings The Commission amends the general authorizations

More information

January 11, Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2. Dear Mr.

January 11, Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2. Dear Mr. January 11, 2011 Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 Filed Electronically Dear Mr. Morin: Re: Broadcasting Notice of

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2014-552 PDF version Route reference: Part 1 application posted on 16 May 2014 Ottawa, 27 October 2014 Newcap Inc. Lloydminster, Alberta Application 2014-0417-8 CITL-DT and CKSA-DT

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2014-451 PDF version Route reference: 2014-26 Ottawa, 2 September 2014 2380393 Ontario Inc. Across Canada Application 2013-1464-0, received 4 November 2013 Public hearing in

More information

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Public Broadcasting in Canada: Seeing Our Way Through Tough Times.. 2. Enclosures. A. Response to Suggested Study Themes

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Public Broadcasting in Canada: Seeing Our Way Through Tough Times.. 2. Enclosures. A. Response to Suggested Study Themes TABLE OF CONTENTS Public Broadcasting in Canada: Seeing Our Way Through Tough Times.. 2 Enclosures A. Response to Suggested Study Themes B. CBC/Radio-Canada Services C. Recovery Plan 2009-2010 D. The Broadcasting

More information

Re: Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC : Call for comments on proposed exemption order for mobile television broadcasting undertakings

Re: Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC : Call for comments on proposed exemption order for mobile television broadcasting undertakings June 9, 2006 Ms. Diane Rhéaume Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 Dear Ms. Rhéaume, VIA Email procedure@crtc.gc.ca Re: Broadcasting Public

More information

Industry Canada public consultation on options for the foreign investment restrictions in the telecommunications sector

Industry Canada public consultation on options for the foreign investment restrictions in the telecommunications sector Astral Media Inc. 1800, avenue McGill College Bureau 2700 Montréal (Québec) H3A 3J6 Tel 514 939-5000 Fax 514 939-1515 astral.com Montreal, July 29 th, 2010 FILED BY EMAIL : investissemententelecom@ic.gc.ca

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2015-123 PDF version Route reference: 2014-472 Ottawa, 1 April 2015 Craig Timmermans, on behalf of a corporation to be incorporated Little Current and Manitoulin Island, Ontario

More information

Re: CTVglobemedia Inc. Application # : Acquisition of all common shares of CHUM. Executive Summary

Re: CTVglobemedia Inc. Application # : Acquisition of all common shares of CHUM. Executive Summary April 5, 2007 Ms. Diane Rhéaume Secretary General CRTC Ottawa, ON K1A 0N2 Dear Ms. Rhéaume: Re: CTVglobemedia Inc. Application # 2006-1667-5: Acquisition of all common shares of CHUM Executive Summary

More information

AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION AND RADIO ASSOCIATION

AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION AND RADIO ASSOCIATION 7 December 2015 Intellectual Property Arrangements Inquiry Productivity Commission GPO Box 1428 CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601 By email: intellectual.property@pc.gov.au Dear Sir/Madam The Australian Subscription

More information

Fibe TV Programming. The newest, most amazing TV service. What makes Bell Fibe TV the best TV experience? Navigation

Fibe TV Programming. The newest, most amazing TV service. What makes Bell Fibe TV the best TV experience? Navigation Fibe TV Programming The newest, most amazing TV service. Bell has introduced an unbelievable new service, Fibe TV. Not only does it deliver stunning picture quality and innovative features you won t find

More information

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Société Radio-Canada

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Société Radio-Canada Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Société Radio-Canada To: Director General, Telecommunications Policy Branch, Industry Canada, 16th Floor, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8 Re: CBC/Radio-Canada

More information

Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority ( JCRA ) Decision M799/11 PUBLIC VERSION. Proposed Joint Venture. between. Scripps Networks Interactive Inc.

Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority ( JCRA ) Decision M799/11 PUBLIC VERSION. Proposed Joint Venture. between. Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority ( JCRA ) Decision M799/11 PUBLIC VERSION Proposed Joint Venture between Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. and BBC Worldwide Limited The Notified Transaction 1. On

More information

COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999

COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999 OCDE OECD ORGANISATION DE COOPÉRATION ET ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC DE DÉVELOPPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUES CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999 BROADCASTING: Regulatory Issues Country: Germany

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2012-550 PDF version Route reference: 2012-224 Additional reference: 2012-224-1 Ottawa, 10 October 2012 Radio 710 AM Inc. Niagara Falls, Ontario Application 2011-0862-1, received

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC and Broadcasting Orders CRTC , , , , and

Broadcasting Decision CRTC and Broadcasting Orders CRTC , , , , and Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2018-468 and Broadcasting Orders CRTC 2018-469, 2018-470, 2018-471, 2018-472, 2018-473 and 2018-474 PDF version References: 2018-128 and 2018-128-1 Ottawa, 14 December 2018 La

More information

Policy proceeding on a group-based approach to the licensing of television services and on certain issues relating to conventional television

Policy proceeding on a group-based approach to the licensing of television services and on certain issues relating to conventional television Policy proceeding on a group-based approach to the licensing of television services and on certain issues relating to conventional television Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-411 Opening Remarks

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC and Broadcasting Orders CRTC , and

Broadcasting Decision CRTC and Broadcasting Orders CRTC , and Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2016-421 and Broadcasting Orders CRTC 2016-422, 2016-423 and 2016-424 PDF version Reference: 2016-64-1 Ottawa, 20 October 2016 Sur Sagar Radio Inc. Surrey, British Columbia Reference

More information

New Digital Channels Offered to Carberry, Minnedosa, Neepawa & Shilo

New Digital Channels Offered to Carberry, Minnedosa, Neepawa & Shilo New Digital Channels Offered to Carberry, Minnedosa, Neepawa & Shilo Brandon MB, May 1, 2007 - Westman Communications Group (Westman) is pleased to announce that it will be launching 33 new specialty Digital

More information

47 USC 534. NB: This unofficial compilation of the U.S. Code is current as of Jan. 4, 2012 (see

47 USC 534. NB: This unofficial compilation of the U.S. Code is current as of Jan. 4, 2012 (see TITLE 47 - TELEGRAPHS, TELEPHONES, AND RADIOTELEGRAPHS CHAPTER 5 - WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION SUBCHAPTER V-A - CABLE COMMUNICATIONS Part II - Use of Cable Channels and Cable Ownership Restrictions 534.

More information

BBC Three. Part l: Key characteristics of the service

BBC Three. Part l: Key characteristics of the service BBC Three This service licence describes the most important characteristics of BBC Three, including how it contributes to the BBC s public purposes. Service Licences are the core of the BBC s governance

More information

THEATRICAL DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM

THEATRICAL DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM THEATRICAL DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM ENGLISH-LANGUAGE AND FRENCH-LANGUAGE PROJECTS PRODUCTION AND POST-PRODUCTION STAGES GUIDELINES APPLICABLE AS OF AUGUST 13, 2018 GL / CFFF Theatrical Documentary/ Publication

More information

EDITORIAL POLICY GUIDELINES FOR BBC WORLD SERVICE GROUP ON EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS AND FUNDING

EDITORIAL POLICY GUIDELINES FOR BBC WORLD SERVICE GROUP ON EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS AND FUNDING EDITORIAL POLICY GUIDELINES FOR BBC WORLD SERVICE GROUP ON EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS AND FUNDING Following the introduction of the new BBC Royal Charter and Framework Agreement in 2016 some of the Editorial

More information

Catalogue no XIE. Television Broadcasting Industries

Catalogue no XIE. Television Broadcasting Industries Catalogue no. 56-207-XIE Television Broadcasting Industries 2006 How to obtain more information Specific inquiries about this product and related statistics or services should be directed to: Science,

More information

BROADCASTING DISTRIBUTION STATISTICAL AND FINANCIAL SUMMARIES. Cable, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and Direct-to-Home (DTH)

BROADCASTING DISTRIBUTION STATISTICAL AND FINANCIAL SUMMARIES. Cable, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and Direct-to-Home (DTH) BROADCASTING DISTRIBUTION Cable, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and Direct-to-Home (DTH) STATISTICAL AND FINANCIAL SUMMARIES 2013-2017 CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND STRATEGIC POLICY TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION

More information

Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band. Notice No. SLPB Published in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 Dated January 3, 2015

Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band. Notice No. SLPB Published in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 Dated January 3, 2015 Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band Notice No. SLPB-005-14 Published in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 Dated January 3, 2015 Comments of Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

More information

Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC

Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-18 Ottawa, 16 February 2006 The Commission has received the following applications. The deadline for submission of interventions/comments is 23 March 2006. Item Applicant

More information

Global Forum on Competition

Global Forum on Competition Unclassified DAF/COMP/GF/WD(2013)26 DAF/COMP/GF/WD(2013)26 Unclassified Organisation de Coopération et de Développement Économiques Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 24-Jan-2013 English

More information

OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section

OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section Country: NEW ZEALAND Date completed: 1 September 2000 Broadcasting s available BROADCASTING 1. Please provide details of the broadcasting and cable

More information

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Guidelines in Respect of Coverage of Referenda

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Guidelines in Respect of Coverage of Referenda Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Guidelines in Respect of Coverage of Referenda March 2018 Contents 1. Introduction.3 2. Legal Requirements..3 3. Scope & Jurisdiction....5 4. Effective Date..5 5. Achieving

More information

OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section

OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section Country: HUNGAR Date completed: 13 June, 2000 1 BROADCASTING Broadcasting services available 1. Please provide details of the broadcasting and cable

More information

COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999

COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999 OCDE OECD ORGANISATION DE COOPÉRATION ET ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC DE DÉVELOPPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUES CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999 BROADCASTING: Regulatory Issues Country: Denmark

More information

Digital Television Transition in US

Digital Television Transition in US 2010/TEL41/LSG/RR/008 Session 2 Digital Television Transition in US Purpose: Information Submitted by: United States Regulatory Roundtable Chinese Taipei 7 May 2010 Digital Television Transition in the

More information

Case No IV/M ABC / GENERALE DES EAUX / CANAL + / W.H. SMITH TV. REGULATION (EEC) No 4064/89 MERGER PROCEDURE

Case No IV/M ABC / GENERALE DES EAUX / CANAL + / W.H. SMITH TV. REGULATION (EEC) No 4064/89 MERGER PROCEDURE EN Case No IV/M.110 - ABC / GENERALE DES EAUX / CANAL + / W.H. SMITH TV Only the English text is available and authentic. REGULATION (EEC) No 4064/89 MERGER PROCEDURE Article 6(1)(b) NON-OPPOSITION Date:

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C ) ) ) ) ) ) REPLY COMMENTS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C ) ) ) ) ) ) REPLY COMMENTS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of Annual Assessment of the Status of Competition in the Market for the Delivery of Video Programming MB Docket No. 12-203

More information

Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Screen Australia s. Funding Australian Content on Small Screens : A Draft Blueprint

Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Screen Australia s. Funding Australian Content on Small Screens : A Draft Blueprint Australian Broadcasting Corporation submission to Screen Australia s Funding Australian Content on Small Screens : A Draft Blueprint January 2011 ABC submission to Screen Australia s Funding Australian

More information

Summary of Public Views on the Renewal of the Domestic Pay Television Programme Service Licence of TVB Pay Vision Limited (TVBPV)

Summary of Public Views on the Renewal of the Domestic Pay Television Programme Service Licence of TVB Pay Vision Limited (TVBPV) Summary of Public Views on the Renewal of the Domestic Pay Television Programme Service Licence of TVB Pay Vision Limited (TVBPV) To gauge public views on TVBPV s performance in the provision of domestic

More information

David L. Cohen Executive Vice President. Comcast!GE Announcement Regarding NBC Universal

David L. Cohen Executive Vice President. Comcast!GE Announcement Regarding NBC Universal CSomcast~ David L. Cohen Executive Vice President Comcast Corporation One Comcast Center Phiiadelphia, PA 19103-2838 Office: 215-286-7585 Fax: 215-286-7546 david_cohenc1comcast.com MEMORANDUM FROM: David

More information

Motion Picture, Video and Television Program Production, Post-Production and Distribution Activities

Motion Picture, Video and Television Program Production, Post-Production and Distribution Activities The 31 th Voorburg Group Meeting Zagreb Croatia 19-23 September 2016 Mini-Presentation SPPI for ISIC4 Group 591 Motion Picture, Video and Television Program Production, Post-Production and Distribution

More information

DETERMINATION OF MERGER NOTIFICATION M/16/038- LIBERTY GLOBAL /UTV IRELAND

DETERMINATION OF MERGER NOTIFICATION M/16/038- LIBERTY GLOBAL /UTV IRELAND DETERMINATION OF MERGER NOTIFICATION M/16/038- LIBERTY GLOBAL /UTV IRELAND Section 21 of the Competition Act 2002 Proposed acquisition by Liberty Global plc of sole control of the business of UTV Ireland

More information

DIGITAL TELEVISION: MAINTENANCE OF ANALOGUE TRANSMISSION IN REMOTE AREAS PAPER E

DIGITAL TELEVISION: MAINTENANCE OF ANALOGUE TRANSMISSION IN REMOTE AREAS PAPER E Office of the Minister of Broadcasting Chair Economic Development Committee DIGITAL TELEVISION: MAINTENANCE OF ANALOGUE TRANSMISSION IN REMOTE AREAS PAPER E Purpose 1. This paper is in response to a Cabinet

More information

Alaska FTA Sales & Service

Alaska FTA Sales & Service Alaska FTA Sales & Service 1110 Gilmore Trail Fairbanks, Alaska 99712-2103 (907) 378-6012 E-Mail: freetoairalaska@gmail.com Proudly installing and providing Free-To-Air satellite television ANYWHERE in

More information

Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC

Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2005-79 Ottawa, 8 August 2005 Revised lists of eligible satellite services In this public notice, the Commission approves a request to add Sony Entertainment Television

More information

Survey on the Regulation of Indirect Advertising and Sponsorship in Domestic Free Television Programme Services in Hong Kong.

Survey on the Regulation of Indirect Advertising and Sponsorship in Domestic Free Television Programme Services in Hong Kong. Survey on the Regulation of Indirect Advertising and Sponsorship in Domestic Free Television Programme Services in Hong Kong Opinion Survey Executive Summary Prepared for Communications Authority By MVA

More information

1. Introduction. 2. Part A: Executive Summary

1. Introduction. 2. Part A: Executive Summary MTN'S RESPONSE TO ICASA'S INQUIRY INTO SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION BROADCASTING SERVICES IN TERMS OF SECTION 4 B OF THE ICASA ACT 13 OF 2000 IN GORVENMENT GAZETTE NO. 41070 DATED 25 AUGUST 2017 1 P a g e 1.

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2012-543 PDF version Route reference: 2012-212 Ottawa, 9 October 2012 Colba.Net Telecom Inc. Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, Allardville, Big Cove, Blue Mountain Settlement,

More information

Development of Digital TV in Europe 2000 Report

Development of Digital TV in Europe 2000 Report Development of Digital TV in Europe 2000 Report Luxembourg Prepared by LENTIC Final version December 2000 Contents 1. Digital TV market overview...3 1.1. Roll-out of digital services...3 1.2. Details of

More information

COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999

COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999 OCDE OECD ORGANISATION DE COOPÉRATION ET ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC DE DÉVELOPPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUES CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 1999 BROADCASTING: Regulatory Issues Country: Norway

More information

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC and Broadcasting Order CRTC

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC and Broadcasting Order CRTC Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2016-334 and Broadcasting Order CRTC 2016-335 PDF version Reference: 2016-37 Ottawa, 19 August 2016 Simultaneous substitution for the Super Bowl The Commission issues

More information

Analogue Commercial Radio Licence: Format Change Request Form

Analogue Commercial Radio Licence: Format Change Request Form Analogue Commercial Radio Licence: Format Change Request Form Date of request: 11th December 2015 Station Name: Sam FM (Swindon) Licensed area and licence Swindon AL 000304BA/3 number: Licensee: Celador

More information

The Telecommunications Act Chap. 47:31

The Telecommunications Act Chap. 47:31 The Telecommunications Act Chap. 47:31 4 th September 2013 Presentation Overview Legislative Mandate Limitations of Telecommunications Act Proposed Amendments to Telecommunications Act New Technological

More information

ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE BROADCASTING ACT

ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE BROADCASTING ACT ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE BROADCASTING ACT Presidential Decree No. 16751, Mar. 13, 2000 Amended by Presidential Decree No. 17137, Feb. 24, 2001 Presidential Decree No. 17156, Mar. 20, 2001 Presidential

More information

Seen on Screens: Viewing Canadian Feature Films on Multiple Platforms 2007 to April 2015

Seen on Screens: Viewing Canadian Feature Films on Multiple Platforms 2007 to April 2015 Seen on Screens: Viewing Canadian Feature Films on Multiple Platforms 2007 to 2013 April 2015 This publication is available upon request in alternative formats. This publication is available in PDF on

More information

January 11, Re: Notice of Ex parte presentation in MB Docket No.07-57

January 11, Re: Notice of Ex parte presentation in MB Docket No.07-57 January 11, 2008 ELECTRONIC FILING Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary Federal Communications Commission Office of the Secretary 445 Twelfth St., SW Washington, DC 20554 Re: Notice of Ex parte presentation in

More information

Response to the "Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band" Canada Gazette, Part I SLPB December, Submitted By: Ontario Limited

Response to the Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band Canada Gazette, Part I SLPB December, Submitted By: Ontario Limited Response to the "Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band" Canada Gazette, Part I SLPB-005-14 December, 2014 Submitted By: February 26th, 2015 1 DISCLAIMER Although efforts have been made to ensure

More information

Development of Digital TV in Europe

Development of Digital TV in Europe institut de l audiovisuel et des télécommunications en europe Development of Digital TV in Europe Luxembourg / 1999 January 2000 70052-2 - 1 Digital TV market overview 1.1 Roll-out of digital services

More information

POLICY ON FAIR REGULATION OF BROADCASTERS

POLICY ON FAIR REGULATION OF BROADCASTERS POLICY ON FAIR REGULATION OF BROADCASTERS 2016 1 Page 2016 SCREEN PRODUCERS IRELAND Policy on Fair Regulation of Broadcasters Screen Producers Ireland is the national representative organisation of independent

More information

Reply Comments from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters

Reply Comments from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters March 26, 2015 Reply Comments from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Re: Canada Gazette, Part 1, Notice No. SLPB-005-14 Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band, publication date January 3,

More information

THE FUTURE ENVIRONMENT FACING THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING SYSTEM. a report prepared pursuant to section 15 of the Broadcasting Act.

THE FUTURE ENVIRONMENT FACING THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING SYSTEM. a report prepared pursuant to section 15 of the Broadcasting Act. THE FUTURE ENVIRONMENT FACING THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING SYSTEM a report prepared pursuant to section 15 of the Broadcasting Act 14 December 2006 For additional copies of the report, please contact: Documentation

More information

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA. N$4.00 WINDHOEK - 11 July 2014 No. 5507

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA. N$4.00 WINDHOEK - 11 July 2014 No. 5507 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA N$4.00 WINDHOEK - 11 July 2014 No. 5507 CONTENTS Page GENERAL NOTICES No. 193 Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia: Notice in terms of the Regulations

More information

UKTV response to Ofcom consultation: Notice of proposed change to L-DTPS licence obligations of ESTV Limited (the local TV Licensee for London)

UKTV response to Ofcom consultation: Notice of proposed change to L-DTPS licence obligations of ESTV Limited (the local TV Licensee for London) UKTV response to Ofcom consultation: Notice of proposed change to L-DTPS licence obligations of ESTV Limited (the local TV Licensee for London) Responses close: 26 August 2014, 10am About UKTV UKTV is

More information

Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report Radio Television Broadcasting distribution Diversity and social issues New media

Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report Radio Television Broadcasting distribution Diversity and social issues New media Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report 2006 Radio Television Broadcasting distribution Diversity and social issues New media For additional copies of the report, please contact: Documentation Centre Canadian

More information

Broadcasting Decision CRTC

Broadcasting Decision CRTC Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2012-574 PDF version Route reference: 2012-370 Additional references: 2012-370-1 and 2012-370-2 Ottawa, 18 October 2012 BCE Inc., on behalf of Astral Media inc. Across Canada

More information

Via Epass. May 8, Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2

Via Epass. May 8, Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 May 8, 2008 Via Epass Mr. Robert A. Morin Secretary General Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 Dear Mr. Morin: Re: Broadcasting Notice of Public Hearing

More information

Comments on Recommendations of ECTEL to the NTRC on Revised Draft Electronic Communications Bill

Comments on Recommendations of ECTEL to the NTRC on Revised Draft Electronic Communications Bill Brian Bartlette, Managing Director Winners TV Zimbra consultation@ectel.int Comments on Recommendations of ECTEL to the NTRC on Revised Draft Electronic Communications Bill From : BBartlette

More information

Via

Via Howard Slawner 350 Bloor Street East, 6th Floor Toronto, ON M4W 0A1 howard.slawner@rci.rogers.com o 416.935.7009 m 416.371.6708 Via email: ic.spectrumengineering-genieduspectre.ic@canada.ca Senior Director

More information

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions herein contained, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions herein contained, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows: NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions herein contained, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE 1 RECOGNITION AND GUILD SHOP 1-100 RECOGNITION AND GUILD

More information

Broadcasting and Production Policy Mechanisms: An International Evaluation of Effectiveness

Broadcasting and Production Policy Mechanisms: An International Evaluation of Effectiveness Broadcasting and Production Policy Mechanisms: An International Evaluation of Effectiveness Commissioned by the Scottish Broadcasting Commission By July 21, 2008 Broadcasting and Production Policy Mechanisms

More information

Specialised Exhibition and Distribution: International Case Studies. The Film Council

Specialised Exhibition and Distribution: International Case Studies. The Film Council Specialised Exhibition and Distribution: International Case Studies a report for The Film Council December 2001 Olsberg SPI Kern European Affairs Contents 1. Executive Summary 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Key

More information

LOW-BUDGET INDEPENDENT FEATURE FILM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR

LOW-BUDGET INDEPENDENT FEATURE FILM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR LOW-BUDGET INDEPENDENT FEATURE FILM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR 2002-2003 These Guidelines are specific to the terms and conditions of the program for the fiscal year of 2002-2003 (which ends on

More information

Metuchen Public Educational and Governmental (PEG) Television Station. Policies & Procedures

Metuchen Public Educational and Governmental (PEG) Television Station. Policies & Procedures Metuchen Public Educational and Governmental (PEG) Television Station Policies & Procedures TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Purpose 4 Station Operations 4 Taping of Events 4 Use of MEtv Equipment 5 Independently

More information

116 Albert Street, Suite 811 Phone: K1P 5G3 Fax: Web site:

116 Albert Street, Suite 811 Phone: K1P 5G3 Fax: Web site: Radio Advisory Board of Canada Conseil consultatif canadien de la radio April 17, 2009 Leonard St-Aubin Director General Telecommunications Policy Branch Industry Canada 300 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario

More information

Telesat's Canadian Satellite Capacity and Services Plan for the 17 GHz BSS Orbital Resources at lll.l WLandll3 WL.

Telesat's Canadian Satellite Capacity and Services Plan for the 17 GHz BSS Orbital Resources at lll.l WLandll3 WL. Application for 111.1 WL/113 Q WL 17 GHz BSS Telesat's Canadian Satellite Capacity and Services Plan for the 17 GHz BSS Orbital Resources at lll.l WLandll3 WL [Public Version] Application for lll.rwl/113

More information

Considerations in Updating Broadcast Regulations for the Digital Era

Considerations in Updating Broadcast Regulations for the Digital Era Considerations in Updating Broadcast Regulations for the Digital Era By Koji Yoshihisa Economic & Industrial Research Group Broadcast television, the undisputed king of entertainment in the household,

More information

March 10, Re: Notice of Ex parte presentation in MB Docket No.07-57

March 10, Re: Notice of Ex parte presentation in MB Docket No.07-57 March 10, 2008 ELECTRONIC FILING Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary Federal Communications Commission Office of the Secretary 445 Twelfth St., NW Washington, DC 20554 Re: Notice of Ex parte presentation in MB

More information

OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section

OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section OECD COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Broadcasting Section Country: TURKEY Date completed: September 2000 Broadcasting s available BROADCASTING 1. Please provide details of the broadcasting and cable television

More information