Arguments for new HD license hinge on local programming paradox

GATINEAU – On the one hand, John Bitove says his proposed company, HDTV Networks, wouldn’t take local ad revenue away from existing TV broadcasters because he wouldn’t want to do much local programming. On the other hand, if you’re going to be a conventional, over-the-air television broadcaster – complete with all the rather favourable must-carry and simultaneous substitution regulations – part of the deal is you must be in local programming, reflecting each community in which you have a transmitter, back to itself. Bitove, founder and chairman of Canadian Satellite Radio – owners of XM Canada – wants a national...