Sunday, 25 September 2011
Canada's broadcast regulator, the CRTC has proposed new rules covering TV channels that would ban the companies from from offering television programs on an exclusive basis to their mobile or Internet subscribers. Under the new rules, any program broadcast on television, including hockey games and other live events, must be made available to competitors under fair and reasonable terms.
However, companies will be allowed to offer exclusive programming to their Internet or mobile customers provided that it is produced specifically for the internet portal or a mobile device. This includes supplementary programming such as behind-the-scenes video clips of a television program, as well as original content.
"Given the size of the Canadian market, there are benefits to integrating television programming and distribution services under the same corporate umbrella," said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. "At the same time, we felt that some safeguards were needed to prevent anti-competitive behaviour. In particular, Canadians shouldn't be forced to buy a mobile device from a specific company or subscribe to its Internet service simply to access their favourite television programs."
Finally, the CRTC strongly encourages television distribution companies to give Canadians more flexibility in choosing the individual services they want as part of their packages. The CRTC has called on Bell Canada, Quebecor Media, Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications to submit a report by April 1, 2012, detailing the steps they have undertaken to respond to consumer demands.
"Canadians enjoy watching programs online as it gives them the freedom to effectively pick and pay for what they want. They find it difficult to accept that their cable and satellite television providers do not offer similar choice and flexibility. If the industry fails to demonstrate that it has made significant strides in introducing consumer-friendly options, we will hold hearings on this issue in six months and take regulatory action," Mr. von Finckenstein added.
