Search Results for: shaw

Cable / Telecom News

Shaw Direct launches Yoopa, new French-language packages

CALGARY – Shaw Direct has become one of the first BDUs to offer Yoopa, the newly-launched French language children’s channel owned by TVA. "Shaw is proud to offer new French programming to our customers across the country," said president Peter Bissonnette, in a statement. "We are delighted to provide our younger viewers with exceptional programming like the Yoopa network." Yoopa is available on free preview through May 31.  Shaw Direct also debuted three new French-language programming packages on April 1st called ‘Le Classique’, ‘Populaire Francais’ and ‘Parfait Bilingue Extra’. www.shawdirect.ca Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

COMMENTARY: A digital disaster in the making. Where’s the leadership?

AS OF YESTERDAY, there were 17 months left for Canada to make the transition from analog over-the-air TV broadcasting to digital. Given the lack of action so far, hitting the August 31, 2011 deadline for the shut off of analog TV is now nearly impossible. Everyone in and around the industry knows it. Everyone. It was openly talked about during the two CRTC hearings in the fall. It was as if the deadline meant nothing. But few want to acknowledge the industry’s and the federal government’s failure to act. In fact, as you’ll read, the federal government still hasn’t even… Continue Reading

Cable / Telecom News

Shaw hops to it with Easter programming

CALGARY – Shaw got in to the spirit Thursday with some family-friendly Easter programming. Through April 5, Shaw customers can watch bunnies eating hay, snuggling and playing; or highlights of kids’ face painting and the Pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian Easter egg painting art. "Shaw has a long-standing history of providing our customers with exceptional holiday programming – from Turkey TV, the Fire Log channel and Pumpkin TV," said president Peter Bissonnette, in a press release. "Our Easter programs are sure to be a part of our viewer’s festivities as they come together to celebrate." www.shaw.ca Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

Shaw to air Masters Tournament in 3D

CALGARY – Shaw Communications will become the first Canadian communications provider to offer 3-D content after signing on as the exclusive Canadian 3D distributor of golf’s 2010 Masters Tournament. Approximately two hours per day of live 3D coverage will be broadcast from the tournament, which is scheduled for April 7 – 11 in Augusta, Georgia. The limited 3D coverage will focus on the back nine holes of Augusta National Golf Club, and will allow Shaw customers to use different camera angles produced by the Masters. "We are thrilled to provide this inaugural, never-before seen footage to our HD customers in Western Canada," said… Continue Reading

Cable / Telecom News

Shaw Direct acquires new capacity, could bump up services by 30%

CALGARY – Shaw Direct’s additional capacity on a third satellite will increase its satellite television services by 30% by 2012. Thanks to an agreement with Telesat, Shaw’s “significant investment” includes 16 new national transponders which will provide bandwidth for expanded customer choice, including new high definition and other advanced services, as well as in-orbit back-up capability for its DTH customers. "Acquiring this capacity will increase our ability to deliver the best satellite television service in Canada – and is part of our commitment to providing our customers with exceptional experiences," said president Peter Bissonnette, in a statement. www.shaw.ca Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

CanWest Deal: Goldman says court made “fundamental errors” in approving Shaw’s bid

TORONTO – An Ontario court made a number of mistakes when it approved a deal that allowed Shaw Communications to buy CanWest Global Communications’ TV assets, say documents filed in court this week by Goldman Sachs. Amongst the numerous “fundamental errors” that Goldman has alleged was “failing to properly assess the integrity of the fundamentally unfair (bidding) process”. Goldman claims the process was designed to exclude any bidders who did not agree to sign a non-disclosure agreement which prevented them from speaking with the U.S. investment bank, as Cartt.ca has reported. Goldman Sachs is the key creditor and the… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

Citytv Vancouver goes HD

VANCOUVER – Citytv-owned CKVU debuted in high definition on Monday for viewers who receive the basic HD service from major cable operators serving the Vancouver market. "Citytv is thrilled that viewers in the Vancouver market are now able to watch their favourite programming in HD," said Renato Zane, VP and GM of Rogers Media Television B.C., in the announcement. "We’re confident that audiences will enjoy this enhanced viewing experience." Cable operators offering CKVU HD include Novus Entertainment, Shaw Communications and Telus TV. www.Citytv.com Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

CanWest Deal: Court approves CanWest’s request to speed up Shaw appeal

TORONTO – CanWest has received court approval to expedite the appeal made by Goldman Sachs challenging the sale of its TV assets to Shaw Communications. In documents filed in an Ontario court Wednesday, CanWest said that the appeal is creating uncertainty around its restructuring efforts and for its 1,700 full time employees, and that it could negatively impact the acquisition of programming for the upcoming Fall season.  Ontario Court of Appeal Justice Harry Laforme agreed with CanWest and granted the request. In other documents filed Wednesday, Goldman said that “it does not oppose expedited treatment” of the motion for leave or the… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

COMMENTARY: It’s time to change the Broadcasting Act

IF YOU TALK TO ANYONE under 20 they will consider it quaint to hear tales of phones that were connected to walls; notes that were sent with a stamp; and televisions that were housed in large cabinets offering four channels, if you were lucky, accessible with the turn of a dial. Online and offline; wired and wireless, the world is a dramatically different place than it was 19 years ago. Yet the Canadian media market is still governed by broadcasting legislation from 1991 at a time when urgent action is needed to bring regulation in line with technology to meet… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

Shaw adds Grace TV

ST CATHARINES, ON – Grace TV is one step closer to its goal of doubling its broadcast coverage within Canada in two years, after joining Shaw’s digital cable lineup. Formerly known as the Christian Channel, the network was renamed Grace TV last September after it was purchased by World Impact Ministries.  Grace TV is focused on creating a strong spiritual voice of goodwill and friendship, the company said in the announcement. CEO and president Peter Youngren said that he is committed to continue to build a viable Christian television channel in Canada, and that Grace TV will be available on additional providers in the… Continue Reading