TV Licence Renewal: “Legacy” spend, must-carry and new CoLs all challenged on final day

By Perry Hoffman

GATINEAU – Using a rear-view mirror approach when it comes to spending requirements will only hobble Canadian broadcasters in an environment of global competition, the three major English-language broadcasters told the CRTC on Thursday.When facing viewership competition from global players who have no mandated Cancon spend, compared to the various, expensive regulatory commitments met by licenced domestic broadcasters, the industry needs far more flexibility to create compelling programming. Bell Media strongly argued this on the final day of the TV broadcast license renewal hearing for the big three Canadian broadcasters, which of course also includes Corus Entertainment and Rogers Media.(Ed...