CALGARY – Shaw Communications has asked the CRTC to add USA Network to the list of eligible satellite services for distribution by Canadian BDUs.
Seen in 90 million homes, the cable channel is the number one basic cable network in the United States, "is a unique service that will significantly increase the entertainment value for Shaw customers, and add exciting new programming to the Canadian broadcasting system," says the press release.
[Ed note: USA Network carries shows like Coach, JAG and Walker Texas Ranger in the mornings, movies in the afternoon and programs such as the Law & Orders, Nashville Star (which is carried on CMT in Canada), Monk (which is on the A-Channels in Canada), WWE Monday Night Raw (which is on The Score in Canada), and The 4400 (on Space). Readers should note the paradox between this paragraph being placed directly under the preceding one.]
The channel also has other popular shows not available in Canada such as Psyche and The Dead Zone (This story has been corrected to reflect Space’s carriage of The 4400). USA Network has been so far kept off the list of eligible services because it would violate the CRTC’s policy of genre protection for Canadian broadcast and specialty channels.
"USA Network will be a wonderful addition to our programming lineup," said Peter Bissonnette, president of Shaw. "We are completely dedicated to increasing choice and providing exceptional quality and service. The potential to bring unique and innovative services such as USA Network to Canadians is an exciting opportunity for our customers."
"Shaw’s sponsorship of USA Network is a great step for us in Canada," said Henry Ahn, executive vice-president, NBC Universal Television Networks Distribution. "We are proud of USA’s powerful programming lineup and we are eager to share it with Canadian viewers."
The press release does not say that Shaw has asked to add the channel to the list of eligible satellite services for digital distribution and few U.S. cable channels normally allow their distribution on digital, it seems likely Shaw wants to add USA to its analog channel lineup.
USA Network is a division of NBC Universal.
