OTTAWA – On Monday afternoon, the CRTC released its much-anticipated digital migration framework – the set of rules by which analog pay and specialty services will move into an all-digital distribution mode.
And at first blush, broadcasters and at least one cable company both actually say they like it.
The 13,000-plus word document follows some of the model set out by Rogers Communications and a group of major broadcasters, which www.cartt.ca first reported on in May.
"We haven’t done a full analysis on it yet, but it looks like a very positive step in terms of striking a balance between programmer and distributor issues," Canadian Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Glenn O’Farrell told www.cartt.ca on Monday. "It’s a workable and useable transition."
The decision sets digital deadlines of 2010 and 2013 and defines the digital penetration threshold required.
"It’s taken me to the limits of my IQ reading it, but I think I like it," Ken Englehart, Rogers Communications vice-president, regulatory, told www.cartt.ca.
For the full report, click here.
– Greg O’Brien
