Friends of Canadian Broadcasting

Bell to appeal CRTC Internet ruling by Vito Pilieci

Ottawa Citizen — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:54:07 +0000

Bell Canada says it will appeal to the federal cabinet a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission that incumbent companies like Bell must open Internet connections to competitors and provide unimpeded access.

Apple, TV networks clash over 99-cent rentals by Jennifer Saba and Yinka Adegoke

Globe & Mail — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:38:25 +0000

Apple Inc. introduced a new version of Apple TV with shows from just two networks, underscoring its struggles to win over a media industry worried about losing control over the pricing of its programs.

Margaret Atwood takes on ‘Fox News North’ by Jane Taber

Globe & Mail — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:28:52 +0000

Canadian author, Margaret Atwood, is criticizing Stephen Harper over what she sees as his dictatorial approach to regulating the airwaves.

Small providers win CRTC ruling for top-speed broadband

Winnipeg Free Press — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:53:26 +0000

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission says their decision will safeguard the principles of public access and greater competition.

Good news for smaller Internet service providers by Alastair Sharp

Toronto Star — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:29:07 +0000

Columnist says the CRTC has ruled that Canada’s established telecom carriers must allow smaller Internet providers access to their high-speed fiber networks at the same speed they offer to their own customers but they may charge a 10% mark-up.

Canada is a telecom backwater, says bold backer of Wind Mobile by Iain Marlow

Globe & Mail — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:11:55 +0000

Naguib Sawiris, the Egyptian industrialist behind Wind Mobile, says Canada’s desire to protect its domestic industry from foreign players is matched only by China.

In telecom, a new battle for Quebec by Iain Marlow

Globe & Mail — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:03:20 +0000

Columnist says a new battle for the Quebec cellphone market is about to be ignited as Vidéotron becomes the first major Canadian cable company to launch its own wireless network since Rogers Communications Inc. did so 25 years ago.

Re: CBC's TV and radio channels are doing quite well

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:48:49 +0000

FRIENDS response to Head of Media Relations for CBC English Service's letter on CBC ratings.

CRTC changes community television policy to enhance local participation

CRTC — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:25:03 +0000

In this media release, The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced a new policy that will give Canadians more opportunities to participate in their community television channels.

CBC's TV and radio channels are doing quite well by Jeff Keay

Ottawa Citizen — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:31:49 +0000

The head of Media Relations for CBC English Services claims the broadcaster's ratings have increased on television and radio.

McQuaig: Harper’s Foxy luncheon by Linda McQuaig

Toronto Star — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:43:43 +0000

FRIENDS spokesperson, Ian Morrison, says based on the information he has, Stephen Harper has taken a person interest in creating a right-wing, Fox-style TV station in Canada.

CRTC Set to Decide on Community TV Service

Mediacaster — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:19:31 +0000

The CRTC is expected to release its decisions regarding the possibility of eliminating the regulatory requirement that community channels be distributed as part of basic cable service.

Re: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2010-498: Shaw Communications acquisition of CanWest Global's Broadcasting entities

Friends of Canadian Broadcasting — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:56:02 +0000

As part of Shaw's application to take over CanWest's broadcasting assets, FRIENDS recommends the CRTC ensure commitment to local programming and adequate public benefit consistent with commission policies.

Change in Parliamentary Appropriation to CBC (in 2010$)

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:42:43 +0000

Chart showing decline in total grant and operating grant from Parliament to CBC from 1990/91 to 2010/11, indexed by Prime Minister and adjusted to 2010 dollars.

How to fix the CBC by Ian Morrison

Ottawa Citizen — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:59:29 +0000

In an op-ed, FRIENDS spokesperson Ian Morrison says the departure of the executive responsible for CBC's English language operations presents an opportunity for all of CBC’s 34 million shareholders to reflect on what kind of national public broadcaster Canada needs.

How to fix the CBC

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:51:56 +0000

The departure of the executive responsible for CBC's English language operations presents an opportunity for all of CBC’s 34 million shareholders to reflect on what kind of national public broadcaster Canada needs.

Pelley will need all his smarts to fix Sportsnet One fiasco by Bruce Dowbiggin

Globe & Mail — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:58:12 +0000

Columnist says in a business where loyalties are often a lifetime assignation, Pelley’s hiring as president of Rogers Communications is significant.

Is Stephen Harper set to move against the CRTC? by Lawrence Martin

Globe & Mail — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:51:28 +0000

FRIENDS says the integrity of the CRTC has to be defended.

Revealed! Stephen Harper’s secret plan to take over the CRTC and launch Sun TV by Ashleigh Ryan

Toronto Life — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:56:46 +0000

Columnist lays out arguments as to how Stephen Harper may be trying to "take over" the CRTC.