CALGARY – Prodded by analysts to peer into their regulatory crystal ball, Shaw Communications’ chief executives Jim Shaw and Peter Bissonnette said they envision an easier regulatory environment in the not-too-distant future.
During the company’s second quarter conference call on April 15, after fielding questions on going to all-digital and offering more channels on a pick-and-pay basis, CEO Shaw predicted policy changes on the horizon for Canadian television channels.
“We think the protectionist nature of programming now in Canada is going to change in that services will have to stand on their own merits,” he said, referring to the tiering and linkage rules which govern the distribution of specialty services.
“We, as a distributor, are there to offer them on the shelf and the customers are there to purchase them. So, over the next year or two there are probably going to be some huge winners if consumers choose them and maybe some that fall off the shelf because (consumers) didn’t like that particular can of Campbell’s Soup.”
The company’s regulatory chief Ken Stein explained there are two regulatory reviews in place right now with the CRTC’s examination of digital migration and high definition as well as the Heritage Ministry’s demand that the Commission show more flexibility when it comes to adding services such as foreign, third language channels.
– Greg O’Brien
