TORONTO – CTV has ratcheted up its PR campaign in support of fee-for-carriage with the debut of www.savelocal.ctv.ca
The web page says that the future of local broadcasting is “at stake” largely because of “the problem” of current regulations allowing cable and satellite companies to “take” CTV and ‘A’ channel programming without compensation “and then charge you, the consumer, for the programming they take for free.”
“Television service providers, including cable and satellite companies, are reaping huge profits at the direct expense of local Canadian TV stations that are going out of business”, the information says.
The solution? Fee-for-carriage, only worded in a way that the average consumer can understand, complete with a call to action.
“To protect consumers, we are calling for a review of how cable and satellite companies bundle and bill consumers for the TV channels you choose. We support consumer choice,” the website continues.
In addition to on-line ‘testimonials’ on the importance of local television, the site also encourages consumers to sign its on-line petition, and email Minister of Heritage James Moore, or local MPs with the message "I agree that cable and satellite companies should pay for the signals they distribute".
“Let your voice be heard before local television is silenced forever”, the site concludes, ominously.
