NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. – Long-time head of the Canadian Cable Television Association, Michael Hind-Smith, died December 3rd from complications due to cancer. He was 80.
Hind-Smith was the longest-serving CCTA president and CEO and oversaw a period of massive growth and change in the cable business during his 15 years (1975-1990) heading the now defunct organization.
“He was such a good representative for the cable industry,” Rogers Communications vice-chairman Phil Lind told Cartt.ca in an interview. “He had some terrific battles with the CRTC (pay-TV, specialty channels, “6 and 5”, pole access) but he kept the association together for a long time….
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OTTAWA – BCE’s proposed tangible benefits associated with its bid for CTV’s television broadcasting assets “falls way short of the mark of what is expected under the CRTC’s tangible benefits policy”, says the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA).
The organization representing the interests of English-language screen-based media companies in Canada said that it warned the Commission during the Shaw/Canwest proceeding that bending on the tangible benefits policy could de facto establish a new standard.
“It is clear that BCE has mirrored its application to that of Shaw/Canwest,” said CMPA president and CEO Norm Bolen, in a statement. “Bell’s acquisition of CTV is a strategic…
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TORONTO – The future of cable is “outstanding”. Just ask Louis Audet, the president and CEO of Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Cable.
Speaking with Cartt.ca prior to presenting the company’s 2010 financial results to shareholders in Toronto last week, Audet shared Cogeco’s plans for wireless, why he’s not worried about Netflix, and his thoughts on vertical integration in Canada.
“There are good reasons to believe that”, Audet said about his unshakeable belief in the cable industry’s rosy future. “It’s not a wanton statement.” A perfect example of cable’s ability to evolve is Cogeco’s plans to trial addressable advertising in Canada next year. “This…
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OTTAWA – With some 260 days left before the television industry converts its over-the-air transmitters from analog to digital, the CRTC is calling for comments on the proposed regulations for the digital television transition.
The notice also outlined some guidelines for broadcasters that will be required to air public service announcements and/or service loss notices at least six months prior to the August 31, 2011 deadline. Comments are due by January 11, 2011.
The Commission has also asked for comments on proposed amendments to its broadcasting distribution regulations, which will be effective 1 September 2011.
These amendments reflect determinations made by the CRTC…
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GATINEAU – The CRTC hearing into whether or not BCE can purchase CTV will begin in Gatineau on February 8, the Commission made official on Thursday.
BCE is acquiring the 85% of the broadcaster it doesn’t own in a deal valued at $3.2 billion ($1.7 billion of which is debt).
While the big telco “is of the view that no tangible benefits are required in the circumstances,” according to its original application, additional letters in November and December from BCE saw tangible benefits proposals go from $70.3 million and then to $220.8 million.
The meeting notice said the Commission will be examining…
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OTTAWA – The CRTC has released its official decision on the membership requirements of the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (CCTS).
As reported by Cartt.ca, the Commission determined that all Canadian telecom service providers must join the CCTS for a period of five years. Previously, membership with the telecom consumer agency was mandatory only for telecom companies with revenues greater than $10 million, and optional for smaller operators.
Click here for more on the decision.
www.crtc.gc.ca
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TORONTO – It’s a far smaller media company Leonard Asper is running this time around.
The former CEO of Canwest Global Communications has emerged from the dismantling and sale of that giant media company as an investor and CEO of category two digital specialty channel The Fight Network. Existing shareholders Loudon Owen and Ed Nordholm, who have been searching for investors for some time, are staying in as co-owners.
When interviewed by Cartt.ca on Wednesday, Asper didn’t want to give away his strategies for the channel – and it’s something he no longer has to divulge publicly anyway. “It’s a private…
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TORONTO – Former CanWest Global CEO Leonard Asper has bought a piece of The Fight Network and has assumed the title of CEO of the category two specialty channel.
In a memo to staff on Wednesday afternoon, GM Anthony Cicione said that in addition to a “significant ownership stake”, Asper becomes the channel’s CEO effective immediately.
“Leonard brings experience and his valuable relationships to the table and has solidified our management team in his new role as CEO effective immediately”, Cicione’s note reads. “He is very enthusiastic about the future of TFN and plans to re-energize our overall business plan, which includes investment in capital, programming, marketing,…
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OTTAWA-GATINEAU – The CRTC is preparing to resume its hearing into the operation of community-based campus radio station CKLN-FM this Wednesday in Toronto.
As Cartt.ca has reported, the Commission originally adjourned the hearing on May 12 due to on-going litigation and judicial mediation before the Ontario Superior Court concerning the governance of CKLN Radio and the legitimacy of the current board of directors.
The hearing will examine the station’s operation including its programming, governance structure, and day-to-day management, as well look into other complaints, the Commission said in a statement. It will take place Wednesday beginning at 9 a.m. at the…
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OTTAWA – The CRTC has issued a call for comments on a proposed amendment which would decrease by 5% the amount of Canadian content that TV broadcasters are required to air each year.
Friday’s broadcasting notice of consultation said the Commission is considering changing the regulations requiring a television licensee to devote not less than 55% of the broadcast year to airing Canadian programs, replacing the existing requirement to devote not less than 60% of the broadcast year to Canadian content.
The regulations would come into force on September 1, 2011, which coincides with the beginning of the next…
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