The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today approved Shaw Communications Inc.’s (Shaw’s) acquisition of the conventional television stations and specialty channels controlled by Canwest Global Communications Corp. (Canwest Global).
“We are satisfied that this transaction will generate substantial benefits for the Canadian broadcasting system,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “Shaw will provide the television properties involved in the transaction with stable ownership as they emerge from a period of uncertainty. The broadcasting system also stands to gain from Shaw’s commitment to support local and independent programming and the transition to digital television.”
As part of any ownership transaction in the broadcasting sector, the buyer is expected to make specific commitments to fund initiatives that will improve the Canadian broadcasting system. In this case, the CRTC took into consideration the fact that the Global Television Network and certain specialty channels were operating under bankruptcy protection.
As a result, it has accepted Shaw’s proposal to spend $180.1 million over the next seven years to:
* support the transition to digital television by converting 67 analog transmitters in smaller markets to digital
* provide and install a satellite receiver and dish, at no charge, to viewers who lose access to the over-the-air signals of their local or regional television stations as of August 31, 2011, as well as free satellite access to those signals
* produce new two-hour morning newscasts in Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax
* purchase more drama, documentary and comedy programs from independent producers, and
* invest in new media content that will support news programming and programs of national interest.
During the proceeding, Shaw also promised to make the rights to its television programming available to its competitors for broadcast on mobile devices and over the Internet.
Today’s decision follows a public proceeding that included a public hearing, which was held from September 21 to 23, 2010.
In addition, the CRTC today also launched a public proceeding to study the wider implications of the growing number of integrated media companies in the Canadian broadcasting system. The proceeding will include a public hearing starting on May 9, 2011, in Gatineau, Que.
Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2010-782 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-782.htm
