TORONTO – An independent Canadian broadcaster trying to make a go of it with an all-high definition channel lineup says Wednesday’s report to the CRTC on broadcasting policies and regulations are “a breath of fresh air.”
High Fidelity HDTV, which owns and operates Rush HD, Equator HD, Treasure HD, and Oasis HD has bumped up against the various rules and regulations in place which have made it tough to gain carriage across Canada.
“The Canadian Association of Broadcasters issued a press release yesterday stating that it has significant concerns with the Dunbar/Leblanc Report. This broadcaster does not share those concerns; in fact we see the report as a breath of fresh air”, said company president, Ken Murphy. “We agree with most of the recommendations made in the Report and believe they would stimulate more dynamic and responsive Canadian television programming services for Canadian audiences who demand more choice and value.
“The Report is well written, and the recommendations of the authors of the Report are well thought out, timely and bold. We hope that the Report will lead to a greater reliance on market forces and smart regulation and a multi-disciplinary approach within government to improve the Canadian broadcasting system, while at the same time ensuring what Chairman von Finckenstein has called the overriding twin objectives, Canadian content and access to the system. This report is a great start to a debate and regulatory review which is long overdue,” added Murphy.
