The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced a public hearing, to be held September 20, to consider applications by Shaw Communication.
Shaw says it is pleased the hearing will be held, and that it anticipates it will mark "the last step" in its acquisition of the broadcast assets of a restructured Canwest.
"Shaw's acquisition is tremendously positive for Canwest, and its employees, viewers and the Canadian broadcasting system," said Jim Shaw, CEO and Vice-Chair of Shaw. "Canwest is an important voice that has for decades played a central role in Canadian broadcasting. We are excited about the opportunity to assume control of Canwest."
The CRTC may have other matters in mind, as in its announcement of the hearings, it states that, in regards to Shaw Cablesystems current licences, "[I]t appears to the Commission that the licensee, during the current licence term, may have failed to comply with sections 29 and 29.2 of the Regulations concerning monthly payments to the Canada Media Fund (CMF) for the period September 2009 to February 2010. The Commission notes that the licensee has now made the necessary monthly payments. The Commission intends to inquire into this matter at the hearing."
Shaw has more than 20 individual licence applications before the CRTC; each seeks to "renew the Class 1 broadcasting licence for its terrestrial broadcasting distribution undertaking (BDU)" with certain changes.
The CRTC will accept public comments and input on the hearings through August.
Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications company whose core business is providing broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Digital Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business Solutions) and satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct).
For more Mediacaster Magazine coverage related to this topic, please see:
Internet Providers Not Broadcasters, Court Rules
http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000378085
Shaw Adds to Online Viewing Options
http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000375291
Shaw to Buy a Restructured Canwest for $2.0 Billion
http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000369909
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