Canada's broadcast regulator should put an end to the tiresome television wars and force cable and satellite companies to pay for the local TV stations they use, says Canada's largest media union, the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.
"The evidence is overwhelming that cable can and should pony up instead of handing its bills to cash-starved subscribers," said Peter Murdoch, Vice-President, Media. "What we need is a strong regulator - backed by the Government of Canada - to put Canadians' interests first."
“Enough already with the posturing of broadcasters and cable companies,” said Maureen Parker, Executive Director, WGC. “Their fight is diverting attention from other important issues, such as the appropriate support for Canadian programming. We’re proposing a new TV policy that reflects the business reality of a consolidated industry. Our model, with its group-based drama expenditure and exhibition requirement, gives broadcasters more flexibility and Canadians audiences more quality Canadian programming. Audience ratings for shows like Flashpoint and Heartland prove that when our shows are properly funded, scheduled and promoted, they connect with Canadians viewers.”
In 2008, Canada's cable and satellite companies took in two-thirds of this country's TV revenues, but accounted for just 18% of all Canadian TV program expenditures, and as a result, the CEP’s Murdoch said, the CRTC should re-balance revenues in the broadcasting system by making these companies pay for the local TV stations they carry, just as they already pay for foreign signals.
"Canadians are already over taxed by cable companies drunk on profits so high that oil companies must be envious," Murdoch added. "The CRTC needs to demand that cable and satellite companies pay for what their businesses use, just like any other business."
CEP opposes the CRTC's idea that TV stations should make backroom deals with cable and satellite companies, because these deals will put profits before Canadians' desire for strong local TV stations and affordable cable.
"The fact that big cable companies are now threatening to involve the Prime Minister's Office hardly matters to average Canadians. CRTC deregulation has let cable bills skyrocket for years, and has let local TV stations close. CEP is calling on the CRTC to put Canadians first, and to regulate cable and satellite.”
Rebecca Schechter, President, WGC, said, “Almost eleven years have gone by since we’ve had a meaningful reexamination of TV policy in Canada. Instead, we’ve had delays, digressions and extensions – the creative community can’t wait any longer. The TV industry has been held hostage, and Canadian audiences are losing out. The Broadcasting Act is clear – broadcasters and cable companies exist to provide a variety of Canadian programming. Shareholder profit should come second to this obligation. Without a clear and diverse choice of quality Canadian programming, what’s the point of having our own broadcasting system?”
To ensure that high-quality Canadian programming will be produced in the volume necessary to provide audiences with real Canadian choice, the WGC proposes a four-point plan. First, an overall Canadian programming expenditure for conventional services, and the continuation of existing CPE for specialty services. Second, a corporate group CPE specifically for drama. Third, a drama exhibition requirement for conventional services. And finally, specific support for Canadian documentaries and children’s programming
Top of page