Super Ecran could see some competition as CRTC changes course

OTTAWA – Super Écran just may face some competition in the French pay TV genre after all.The CRTC said Tuesday that it will now consider applications for new French-language general interest pay television services that compete with Super Écran. This is a reversal of its position last November when it said that it would only accept applications for channels that would be complementary to, rather than compete with, the 25-year old incumbent. Astral-owned Super Écran is currently the only general interest pay television service currently offered by all BDUs in the French-language market. Applications are due by July 29, 2011.www.crtc.gc.ca