GATINEAU – A code of conduct for vertically integrated broadcast and distribution groups, content exclusivity on mobile and the need for a skinny basic package were the primary discussion points discussion during the fourth day of the CRTC’s examination of vertical integration.
EastLink noted during its opening remarks that access to content is a “critical driver” of not only its cable distribution service, but for all of its services, and therefore rules need to be established to ensure equitable access to content.
“Programming services dictate contract terms requiring distribution in high penetration packages, packaging requirements and, in some cases, with the…
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GATINEAU – Do consumers really want the ability to pick the Jenny Craig of TV packages, a.k.a. the oft-debated, ultra-lean, skinny basic package?
It has been one of the primary questions coming from CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein and his colleagues over the first three days of the Commission’s hearing into vertical integration.
The idea has been bounced around for a couple of years (especially during the fee-for-carriage battles), however it has really taken hold of the imagination of the panel of commissioners this week.
In a nutshell, a mandated skinny basic package would force cable, satellite and telco TV distributors…
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OTTAWA – The CRTC is asking for comments on a proposed code of best practices for access programming on cable community channels.
The code, available here, was submitted by the Cable Industry Working Group which was assembled last August and includes representative from Rogers, Shaw, Cogeco, EastLink, Quebecor and the CCSA.
The deadline for submitting comments is September 6, and replies are due by September 16, 2011.
www.crtc.gc.ca
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QUISPAMSIS, NB – The Canadian Cable System Alliance has completed a bulk purchase master agreement with Trispec Communications for the supply of Motorola set- top boxes, modems and headend equipment, the companies said Friday.
“Trispec has a history of being a valuable supplier to CCSA members and as a result of this agreement, we are confident their value will continue to grow”, said CCSA president and CEO Alyson Townsend, in the announcement.
Quebec-based Trispec has provided ISPs, WISPs, contractors, and major telecommunications and cable operators with industry-recognized products and services for over 25 years.
“Trispec Communications Inc. is proud to enable its…
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THE INCENTIVES FOR THE great, big vertically integrated Canadian cabletelbroadcellcasters to act unfairly towards everybody else has become too great to ignore and new protections against potential perils are needed, say many companies in their submissions to the CRTC ahead of June’s hearing into vertical integration.
(Editor’s note: This preview originally ran on April 29th. We’re re-running it here as a preview of the hearing, which gets under way Monday in Ottawa with Rogers first up. As usual, Cartt.ca will be there. But if you can’t be there, it will be streamed live on cpac.ca – and available for…
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TORONTO – CTAM Canada members won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear from Sam Schwartz, president and a founding managing partner of Comcast Interactive Capital, a $350 million venture capital fund affiliated with Comcast Corporation.
Schwartz, who is also EVP of strategy and development at Comcast Interactive Media, will share his experiences and insights regarding Comcast’s evolution in IP video at a members-only event on May 4 at the Velma Rogers Theatre at Rogers Communications, located at 333 Bloor Street East in Toronto.
Registration begins at 3:30 pm, the presentation will run from 4 – 5:30, and be followed by…
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QUISPAMSIS – The CCSA has confirmed that its 2011 ‘Connect’ Conference will return to the resort village of Mont-Tremblant, Québec this fall.
Similar to the format of last year’s annual general meeting, the event will begin on Sunday, September 18 with the president’s reception, and Monday, September 19 will be the business day complete with the trade show, educational sessions and dinner/entertainment. Tuesday, September 20 will be a golf/spay day.
On-line conference registration will be available in May, but the CCSA recommends that delegates reserve their rooms at the Fairmont Tremblant directly as soon as possible. To reserve under the CCSA block…
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THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 15, marks two important deadlines for CTAM Canada members.
It is last day to RSVP for the annual CTAM night all the ballgame, where members can cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays as they take on the New York Yankees at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. A presentation by Rovi chief evangelist, Richard Bullwinkle, will begin at 5:45 and the game begins at 7:07 pm.
The event is free to CTAM members. Please reserve your ticket by registering with Andrea Baxter at abaxter@ccsa.cable.ca or (506) 849-1334, Ext. 212.
And don’t miss your chance to register for the next Canadian…
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HAMILTON – Cable industry veteran Owen Boris died Saturday night at his home in Hamilton after suffering a heart attack. He was 79.
Boris founded Hamilton’s Mountain Cablevision in 1959 and remained principal owner of the successful cableco for half a century before selling the business to Shaw Communications in July 2009. At that time, Boris told Cartt.ca that he felt that the time was right to retire and to “pass this great history on to someone with more financial muscle.”
Fellow industry veteran JR Shaw described Boris as “truly one of a kind”.
“There’s no one else in the…
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QUISPAMSIS – The CCSA has finalized an agreement amendment for the distribution of American Movie Classics’ HD and video-on-demand programming services, the companies announced Monday.
“The addition of AMC HD and AMC VOD is a welcomed enhancement to our existing master affiliation agreement with AMC,” said CCSA president and CEO Alyson Townsend, in the announcement. “AMC’s recognition within the industry as an award winning producer of drama series along with their continued commitment to classic movies ensures our Members stay competitive in today’s market while meeting the needs of their customers.”
AMC in high definition is the only network to…
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