TORONTO – A coalition of some of Canada’s biggest TV service providers have teamed up on a campaign to tell their side of the story on the contentious issue of fee for carriage.
Bell, Bell Aliant, Cogeco, EastLink, Rogers and Telus have joined forces on ‘Stop the TV Tax’ which they say is designed to ensure “that Canadians hear the whole story”.
"Cable and satellite subscribers have united to stop the broadcasters’ costly proposal because it amounts to a tax, pure and simple”, said Rogers vice chair Phil Lind, in a statement. “This tax will hit viewers for stations that have always been available for free over the air."
Predicting that the new fee could add as much as $10 more per month to the average consumer’s TV bill, the coalition is directing consumers to its new website www.stopthetvtax.ca. The site offers information on the issue and ways for consumers to contact the CRTC to reject the networks’ demands. It will be promoted with a print, radio and TV ad campaign.
"There is no justification for such increases at this time; no additional value is being delivered to viewers by broadcasters," said Bell’s SVP of regulatory and government affairs Mirko Bibic, in a statement. "Satellite and cable providers stand on the side of television consumers to fight this charge."
The broadcasters were quick to respond to what they called “a campaign of misleading information”.
“As we approach the upcoming consumer hearings, Canadians should be able to rely on accurate information to get informed and take action," said Paul Sparkes, EVP of corporate affairs for CTVglobemedia, in an announcement that was also signed by ‘A’ Channel, CBC and Global. "It is unfortunate the cable and satellite providers have resorted to scare tactics and misleading information."
Steve Guiton, CBC’s chief regulatory officer accused the BDUs of choosing to “intimidate consumers with increases on basic cable rates and threats of more fee hikes” in the announcement, which also directed consumers to “stay informed” by visiting their website www.localtvmatters.ca.
– Lesley Hunter
