TORONTO – Rogers Communications has asked the CRTC to step in to an alleged case of “traffic pumping” that it says could put nationwide flat rate calling plans at risk.
Traffic pumping, also known as “access stimulation” or “traffic stimulation”, is the name given to a mechanism for local exchange carriers to profit from increasing the volume of incoming traffic for termination on their local exchange network. Typically, the arrangement involves a local exchange in a high cost area where call termination rates are higher than the norm. The local exchange carrier encourages the location of in-bound calling services in its…
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TORONTO – Part social powwow and part professional revelation, the annual CTAM Canada Broadcaster Forum unspooled a ribbon of timely data points and commentary on new technology trends, a VR state-of-the-nation and even reflections on CBC’s unsullied broadcast of Tragically Hip’s summer concert.
Technology and television Innovation
A quartet of industry experts—Tom Elam, VP and GM with TiVo’s service provider business; Jay Gardner, VP of product development with Shaw; Joel Orvis, director of TV product management with Bell Canada; and Matt Nelson, director of strategic alliances with You.i—unpacked the latest developments in television tech on a panel moderated by Norm…
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GATINEAU – Using a rear-view mirror approach when it comes to spending requirements will only hobble Canadian broadcasters in an environment of global competition, the three major English-language broadcasters told the CRTC on Thursday.
When facing viewership competition from global players who have no mandated Cancon spend, compared to the various, expensive regulatory commitments met by licenced domestic broadcasters, the industry needs far more flexibility to create compelling programming. Bell Media strongly argued this on the final day of the TV broadcast license renewal hearing for the big three Canadian broadcasters, which of course also includes Corus Entertainment and Rogers…
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TORONTO – Hollywood Suite is marking its 5th birthday with a five-week national free preview promising more than 500 movies.
Just in time for the holidays, viewers can enjoy the gift of the best movies from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, uncut and commercial-free, on four HDTV channels and On Demand. December titles include the director’s cut of Bad Santa, plus films like 12 Years a Slave, Titanic, The Expendables, The Interview, Raising Arizona, 48 Hours, Beverly Hills Cop, Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Fatal Attraction, American Beauty, Jerry Maguire, and Moneyball.
The freeview is available now through January 5, 2107…
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GATINEAU – The large broadcasters’ current Canadian Programming Expenditure (CPE) and Programs of National Interest (PNI) proposals are wholly inadequate, according to the creatives representing actors, performers, writers and directors.
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) said in its appearance before the CRTC’s large English-language broadcasters’ licence renewal hearing on Wednesday the impact of the proposals would be “devastating” on Canadian programming and the Canadian broadcasting system because they would result in a reduction of nearly $100 million in spending over the next licence term.
“In our view, this would be regressive, contrary to the Commission’s objective…
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GATINEAU – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) questioned the appropriateness of the proposed OMNI Regional service in its appearance on Tuesday. Fairchild Television Ltd. noted that it believes a licence renewal hearing isn’t the appropriate forum to consider a new OMNI.
PIAC said the new OMNI doesn’t meets the high bar required for 9(1)(h) carriage. The association said Rogers’ failed to offer a long-term vision for the station indicating how it “would make an exceptional contribution to Canadian expression. Instead, many of its commitments already reflect existing or past conditions of licence and programming.”
That Rogers is attempting to get…
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TORONTO – Rogers TV customers may now add standalone channels on a pick-and-pay basis to any of its in-market subscription packages, the company said Wednesday.
According to its website, standalone channels range in price from $4 to $18 per month.
“For most customers, packages are the best way to get most of the channels you want”, reads a post on Rogers’ blog. “But now you can also tweak your final TV lineup with a Standalone channel or two – like a side dish to a great meal.”
www.rogers.com
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Netflix, et al, changing the market
GATINEAU – The tipping point is coming.
That was part of the message delivered to the CRTC by Bell Media during its appearance before the CRTC for the company’s group license renewal. Thanks to new content buyers with global reach and enormous purchasing power, securing the rights to foreign content for Canada is getting ever-more expensive.
“Last May, we were in Los Angeles buying our foreign television content,” said Bell Media president Mary Ann Turcke to the commission panel. “There were three shows that we were bidding on and Netflix was the competitor – a competitor…
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TORONTO and STOCKHOLM – TV Everywhere solutions provider Accedo and Toronto-based TV apps developer Digiflare are merging in a move designed to create a stronger global company.
Accedo co-founder Michael Lantz will be CEO of the merged company, which will remain under the Accedo brand, while co-founder Fredrik Andersson and Digiflare founders David George and Mano Kulasingam will all take on senior leadership positions within the merged organization.
Both companies have worked together in Canada on projects like shomi and are currently working with Rogers, among other initiatives.
“Accedo and Digiflare share the same vision for our industry and a similar…
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GATINEAU – The long-anticipated expansion of Amazon Prime Video into Canada could happen as early as December 1.
At least Mary Ann Turcke, Bell Media president, believes it, having told the CRTC as much on Tuesday during the company’s license renewal hearing.
"Now, a new global OTT competitor – Amazon Prime – is entering the Canadian market in two days. So it's not just our fellow Canadian broadcasters who will try to outbid us for first run, original programming, but it's Netflix and now Amazon, two entities that are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as us and that have…
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