OTTAWA – According to the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP), the CRTC should “force” cable and satellite companies to pay for the local TV stations they use.
Canada’s largest media union, scheduled to appear at the Commission’s hearing Tuesday afternoon, said that it’s up to the CRTC to “re-balance” revenues in the broadcasting system by having BDUS pay for the local TV stations they carry, just as they already pay for foreign signals.
"Canadians are already over taxed by cable companies drunk on profits so high that oil companies must be envious," said Peter Murdoch, VP of media, in a statement. "The CRTC needs to demand that cable and satellite companies pay for what their businesses use, just like any other business."
CEP also said that it opposes the Commission’s suggestion that broadcasters make “backroom deals” with cable and satellite companies, saying it fears that such agreements could “put profits before Canadians’ desire for strong local TV stations and affordable cable”.
