Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
CBC: Cable, satellite carriers should be forced to offer packages of essential Canadian TV channels
Canada's national public broadcaster is calling for cable and satellite services to offer basic packages of essential TV channels at a regulated price.
The recommendation by CBC/Radio-Canada is part of a hot debate between conventional TV broadcasters and the carriers that distribute their programming.
The TV broadcasters want their federal regulator to force cable and satellite companies to pay a fee for carrying signals from conventional television stations.
Cable and satellite companies argue the fees would drive up the price they'd have to charge consumers.
CBC says the answer is to introduce a pared-down package of all-Canadian channels, with the CRTC determining the minimum content and maximum price.
