OTTAWA – A wholesale fee for carriage is something that not just private broadcasters are after.
The CBC/Radio-Canada submission to the CRTC’s TV policy review calls for a new way to deploy high definition and for the CBC to begin getting paid a subscriber fee from cable and satellite companies.
"CBC/Radio-Canada must be able to adapt to the realities of the fast-changing broadcasting environment," said Robert Rabinovitch, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, in a press release.
The Commission has asked conventional broadcasters about the future of over-the-air reception in a digital environment. "Very few Canadians continue to rely on over-the-air signals for their television viewing. As a result, CBC/Radio-Canada has recommended a hybrid cable, satellite and over-the-air model for the CRTC’s consideration that recognizes this new reception reality," says the press release.
Conventional broadcasters – both public and private – are the main contributors to the Canadian broadcasting system, explains the CBC submission. "Unfortunately, all these broadcasters rely heavily on advertising revenues to support Canadian television programming, and this revenue source is now weakening and faces an uncertain future. Therefore, CBC/Radio-Canada is proposing that the CRTC establish conventional broadcaster eligibility for subscription revenues," says the CBC.
The request mirrors proposals by CanWest Global and CHUM, as first reported earlier today by Cartt.ca.
The strength of the system depends on a healthy public broadcaster that is able to connect Canadians through compelling Canadian content," added Rabinovitch. "Some of the issues that will be discussed – over-the-air distribution and subscription revenues in particular – are fundamental to conventional broadcasters’ ability to contend with the changing needs of Canadians. We look forward to the hearings in November."
