CALGARY – Films by foreign directors which may have never before been seen in Canada are now available to Shaw Cable customers through Eurocinema.
Eurocinema is an on-demand service celebrating European and international film and "will provide Shaw customers access to feature works by legendary directors that have never before been seen in Canada," says the Shaw press release.
"Until now, regular access to foreign films has been somewhat limited in Canada," said Peter Bissonnette, president. "We’re thrilled to welcome Eurocinema to our video on demand line-up."
Eurocinema is available on over 50 cable TV systems serving nearly 10,000,000 subscribers….
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OTTAWA – The new Federal Cabinet wants the CRTC to revisit last year’s voice over Internet protocol decision.
As reported on numerous occasions by www.cartt.ca, the CRTC decided last year to maintain its position that voice, even delivered via IP, is still telephone service. What that meant was that incumbent telcos still faced some regulatory shackles (like having to file for tariffs) while newcomers, such as cable operators or VOIP providers like Vonage would have a freer hand.
Canada’s ILECs – most of them anyway – appealed the decision.
In governmentspeak: "The Governor in Council (GIC) has referred…
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EDMONTON – Independent digital specialty channel Wild TV has debuted on Telus TV.
The 24-hour hunting and fishing television channel will be seen for the first time in Alberta in its linear format (its programming has been available on demand with Telus until now and is available on demand with Shaw Cable).
Edmonton-based Wild TV is dedicated to Canadian hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, "offering original programming that captures the thrill of hunting and fishing in the Canadian wilderness as well as the best outdoor programming from across North America," says the company.
"With an estimated eight million hunting…
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TORONTO – Kids Help Phone announced today it will enhance the organization’s online counselling services with the help of a $60,000 grant provided by Shaw Communications.
"Young people want and need our help in a variety of ways and it’s our responsibility to respond by expanding our services to meet that demand," said Bill Saul, president and CEO of Kids Help Phone. "It is only with the support of companies like Shaw Communications Inc. that Kids Help Phone can continue to be there by phone and online when young people across the country reach out for help."
Last year…
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OTTAWA – Former Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association senior vice-president and general counsel, Lori Assheton-Smith has launched her own business. This week she made official the establishment of Lori D. Assheton-Smith Professional Corporation, "through which I will continue to provide legal services and advice in the areas of broadcasting, telecommunications and Internet law and regulation," she said.
Assheton-Smith (right) has been with the CCTA in various roles since 2000, culminating in her SVP role. Prior to the CCTA, she was legal counsel with the CRTC.
The CCTA ceased operations in February after the association’s second-largest member,…
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LONDON, Ont. – Corus Radio has named Kent Guy as promotions and marketing director for its four London, Ont.-area stations.
Guy was most recently purchasing and promotions manager for Herbal Magic, and brings 20 years of broadcasting experience to his new position.
He had previously worked for Corus’ London cluster, spearheading the marketing and promotions efforts behind the relaunch of AM980 CFPL and Classic Rock 103.9 the Hawk (based in nearby Woodstock), and participated in the rebranding of FM96 and Energy 103 (now The New 1031 Fresh FM).
“We are pleased to welcome Kent back to the London-area cluster,”…
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CALGARY – Shaw Communications announced a $300 million senior note offering to repay existing bank debt and for working capital.
The company will sell the aggregate principal amount of 6.15% senior unsecured notes, due May 2016, to a syndicate co-led by TD Securities Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, which will resell the notes.
A preliminary short form prospectus has been filed with securities regulatory authorities in all Canadian provinces in connection with the sale of the notes.
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OTTAWA – The SCTE Ontario chapter general meeting will be held Thursday, April 27 in Ottawa.
The session topics will cover all aspects of fibre optics. Attendees will gain a better understanding of fiber optic fundamentals, DWDM, node splitting techniques, HFC reverse path issues and troubleshooting.
Times Fiber is also offering their plant tour on Wed. April 26 in Renfrew.
Deadline for registration is Monday, April 24. If you want lunch, pre-registration is mandatory. Vendor tables are still available, too.
Click here for the full agenda.
Other SCTE Ontario notes Due to the August long weekend, the golf date…
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CALGARY – "It’s not our problem that if someone’s in TV and then they buy newspapers so now they don’t make any money," said Shaw Communications CEO Jim Shaw, responding to a question on the potential for retransmission fees being paid to Canadian broadcasters by MSOs.
During a conference call with financial analysts Thursday presenting the company’s second quarter financials, Shaw said he thought any CRTC TV policy review would have a light impact on cable and if any new fees arise, they would just be passed on through to cable customers anyway.
CanWest Global CEO Leonard Asper has…
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CALGARY – With voice customers growing at a good clip, Shaw Communications Thursday announced net income of $45.8 million in the second quarter, compared to net income of $5.7 million for the same quarter last year.
Net income for the first six months of the year, ended February 28th, was $121.5 million, up from $50.4 million last year.
Total service revenue (Shaw Cable plus Star Choice plus other services) of $611.2 million and $1.2 billion for the three and six month periods, respectively, improved 11% and 10% over the comparable periods last year. Consolidated service operating income before amortization…
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