By Ken Kelley
TORONTO – It’s not surprising the proposed Rogers-Shaw merger would be one of the first topics that Rogers president and CEO Joe Natale would tackle at the TD Securities’ virtual Telecom and Media Conference on Wednesday.
While the merger still has a number of regulatory hurdles to clear, including the Competition Bureau, ISED Canada and the CRTC, it did chalk up a victory earlier this week when the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta gave the merger the green light. The court’s approval followed an overwhelming thumbs up from Shaw’s shareholders last week.
“We’re very delighted with…
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By Ahmad Hathout
GATINEAU – The CRTC’s second attempt at determining the wholesale costs of internet capacity will determine whether or not third party internet access providers can lower customer rates, if it continues to allow the big telecoms to execute on network investment decisions, or if it elicits yet more appeals.
Striking the right balance on rates for competition and network investment is not only a goal of the Regulator, but it’s a requirement under a cabinet direction from 2020. And Thursday’s upcoming decision – coupled with the CRTC’s decision to force open the big wireless networks to regional carriers…
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By Denis Carmel
GATINEAU – On April 21, 2021, Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and the Forum for Research and Policy in Communications (FRPC) filed an application with the CRTC proposing to stabilize the funding of the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF) but as of today, May 26th, the CRTC has not yet posted the Part I application to its website, therefore a process has not yet been initiated.
“Time is of the essence in this matter, as the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF) faces potential revenue shortfalls and exhaustion, in part due to the paucity of tangible benefits orders resulting from media…
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WildBrain to handle global distribution and manage YouTube channel for series
TORONTO — Kids entertainment company WildBrain announced today it has partnered with Headspinner Productions for a second season of the animated kids comedy series Denis and Me, following a commission from WildBrain’s Family Channel for 20 new three-minute episodes.
Family Channel is also picking up the show’s first season of 10 three-minute episodes, which will launch this summer. Season two will premiere in the fall, says WildBrain’s press release.
In addition, WildBrain is taking on global distribution for the series across seasons one and two, and the company’s AVOD network WildBrain…
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TORONTO — With the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs underway this week, Rogers Sportsnet is offering fans new exclusive original content and NHL Fantasy games, to complement the network’s exclusive English-language national coverage of every playoff game.
“As Canada’s home of the NHL, we’re always looking for new opportunities to create connections with hockey fans across the country,” said Andrew Sutherland, vice-president of marketing, creative and original content at Sportsnet. “Through our original content initiatives and established fantasy games, we are providing engaging second-screen interactions for fans to share in together and experience the incredible energy of the Stanley Cup Playoffs…
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Company challenges CRTC on decision not to indulge passive infrastructure debate; seamless roaming
By Ahmad Hathout
OTTAWA – When the CRTC asked for comments for its review of the wireless industry—with eyes trained on whether it would force negotiations on access to big wireless networks—a parallel issue emerged in the submissions: How will the regulator deal with the emerging friction between cellcos and local officials when it comes to equipment attachments on municipal infrastructure?
Apparently, not at all. Mid last month, in its decision to force the big three carriers to lease wireless network capacity to regional carriers, the Regulator said…
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VICTORIA — According to Convergence Research Group’s newest “The Battle for the Canadian Couch Potato: OTT and TV” report, based on analysis of more than 50 “over-the-top” streaming services (from over 35 providers), Canadian OTT access revenue grew 35% to reach $2.05 billion in 2020.
Convergence Research estimates such streaming revenue in Canada will grow a further 32% to $2.71 billion in 2021, and reach $3.96 billion in 2023.
“We forecast the almost doubling of annual Canadian OTT access revenue over the period will continue to mostly benefit non-Canadian players,” such as Amazon, Apple, DAZN, and Netflix reads the company’s Continue Reading
By Greg O’Brien
MONTREAL and OXFORD, N.S. – Should the Competition Bureau decide Freedom Mobile must be sold as a condition of Rogers Communications being able to purchase Shaw Communications, count Eastlink founder John Bragg and Quebecor Inc. CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau as interested.
During his company’s first quarter conference call with financial analysts today, Péladeau said the Commission’s new wireless policies, coupled with the potential for Freedom Mobile coming on the market, could mean conditions are right for the company to move beyond its home province.
“We’re pleased with the CRTC decision allowing facilities-based MVNOs, as it confirms the importance…
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SAN JOSE, Calif. and TORONTO — Roku today revealed the first 30 titles in its Roku Originals lineup that will debut on The Roku Channel on May 20, which the company recognizes as Streaming Day in commemoration of the launch of the first Roku streaming player in 2008.
Roku first announced last month it was launching Roku Originals. The first programming available is rebranded content from the company’s Quibi acquisition. The content will be available internationally.
The Roku Originals launch lineup includes scripted series (Die Hart with Kevin Hart, #FreeRayshawn and Reno 911!), documentaries (Blackballed and Big Rad Wolf) and…
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TORONTO — Music rights management organization SOCAN announced today 24 Canadian visionaries will be recognized at this year’s SOCAN Awards for the roles they played in helping to raise the stature of music made in Canada.
“Fifty years ago, they understood the need to protect and amplify Canadian music, giving rise to Cancon. These trailblazers will be awarded the SOCAN Guardian Award for their efforts in preserving and boosting Canadian culture,” reads SOCAN’s press release.
At a time when home-grown music was often considered inferior to foreign records dominating the charts, making it difficult for Canadian artists to get airtime on…
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