CRTC to allow English Canadian broadcasters to air more ads if they broadcast more Canadian drama, boost audiences and increase investment in drama production.
Some remain skeptical that the CRTC's new incentive based scheme will result in significant increases in Canadian drama.
NHL lockout pushes ratings down at Rogers Sportnet, The Score, TSN and the CBC.
Article compares regulatory promises, performance of CTV Newsnet and talktv.
FRIENDS' response to a proposal from Industry Canada and Heritage Canada to "clarify" the Canadian government's satellite-use policy for the delivery of broadcasting services.
Article says Gemini Awards too focused on Toronto productions, do not help to advance Canadian star system.
The future looks bleak for the Canadian film and television industry, although innovative programming gives reason for hope.
Private broadcasters ponder the end of conventional television.
Article on private broadcasters' Canadian programming promises during Board of Broadcaster Governors licence hearings in 1960.
Broadcasters face chicken-and-egg dilemma with high-definition television programming.
Teenagers are reportedly rejecting traditional radio in favour of new media.
CRTC Chair concerned with dearth of high-definition television programming available from Canadian broadcasters.
Canwest Global CEO says conventional broadcasters should be entitled to receive a carriage fee from broadcasting distributors, calls for an end to advertising limits and to the ban on advertising of prescription pharmaceuticals.
The CRTC unveils its new scheme for an incentive based system that would allow broadcasters more advertising minutes in exchange for airing more Canadian drama.
Minister of Canadian Heritage addresses convention of Canadian private broadcasters, states that government will "highlight its priorities and its immediate actions concerning broadcasting" by the end of April 2005.
Conservative leader addresses convention of Canadian private broadcasters, states that the Conservative Party would "seek to reduce CBC's dependence on advertising revenue and its competition with the private sector for these valuable dollars".
Dalfen tells private broadcasters he expects future CRTC decisions will be controversial, that 'putting Canada first' requires tradeoffs among broadcasting policy objectives.
The federal government will appeal Quebec court's finding that Radiocommunications Act provisions restricting access to foreign satellite signals are unconstitutional.
Global's executive shuffle has everyone wondering what kind of programming they will resort to in order to boost ratings.
CRTC approves Craig takeover by CHUM and Toronto 1 transfer to Quebecor, but notes that Quebecor will have to fulfill the local-programming conditions that accompany Toronto 1.
Rogers encouraged by CRTC approval of Bell's entry into cable distribution market, hopes for same treatment of Rogers initiatives in local telephony.
The CRTC has granted Bell Canada broadcasting licenses to deliver television over telephone lines in eleven urban centres in Canada.
CTV Newsnet reacts to CRTC decision on Fox News by reiterating its demands for relaxed conditions of licence.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters questions choice rationale underlying cable industry argument for permitting greater carriage of foreign programming.
FRIENDS research shows private broadcasters' spending on foreign programming has now exceeded spending on Canadian programming, in inflation-adjusted dollars; in drama programming, the gap between foreign and Canadian expenditures continues to widen.
Columnist criticizes CHUM satellite radio bid, saying all that is missing is channels dedicated "to the sound of loons and maple syrup".
CHUM Ltd. says its satellite radio proposal demonstrates that a "truly Canadian" pay radio service is both "realistic and achievable".
Canwest Global's international television interests fared better than Canadian operations last year.
Sirius Canada states that the Canadian arm would have complete control over content; CHUM says only its proposal meets current Canadian content regulations.
FRIENDS says the CRTC should not licence two United States-based satellite radio service applicants, or if it does, should impose substantial conditions of licence to address the harm they will inflict on the Canadian market.
The hockey lockout continues to make the CBC and sports networks suffer.
Editorial says Quebec court decision appearing to legalize grey market satellite services will likely be challenged and legislated around, and for good reason.
CCTA proposal to insert Canadian ads on U.S. specialty channels seen in Canada would undermine Canadian content rules, says CAB.
FRIENDS recommends the CRTC uphold its policy of opposing the entry of foreign programming services likely to offer substantial competition to existing Canadian services.
The shortage of high quality English language Canadian drama is a critical issue which needs to be addressed by placing the blame where it belongs: not only on the private broadcasters but also on the CRTC and its 1999 Television Policy.
Canwest Global replaces three of its top executives with Americans in recent overhaul.
ACTRA criticizes reality television, predicts its eventual demise.
Howard Stern may find his way into Canada through a partnership between CBC and U.S. satellite broadcaster Sirius Radio.
CBC's Opening Night and The Newsroom as well as CTV's Corner Gas are nominated for International Emmy Awards.
FRIENDS opposes CCTA proposal on the basis that it would reduce audience levels for Canadian programming, and supports the NBRS proposal that distributors be required to devote 75% of local availabilities to the promotion of mandated services and Canadian drama programs.
FRIENDS urges the CRTC to amend the relevant distribution orders to require distributors to dedicate a minimum portion of local availabilities to the promotion of mandated services, and that this airtime be free of charge for not-for-profit mandated services such as VoicePrint.
Canwest says it plans to move from an 80-20 mix of advertising to a 50-50 mix in four years.
CanWest-owned newspaper reports on company's "bold move" to unveil new brand and appoint series of American executives.
The growth of specialty channels is right on track, industry experts say.
The expert panel appointed by Liza Frulla to report on third-language broadcasting in Canada proposes a levy on the revenues of foreign programming imported into Canada to create a fund for Canadian programming.
CanWest Global CEO Leonard Asper discusses plans for international expansion.
Article says that contrary to expectations, 2004 has been mostly devoid of media takeovers.
CRTC to consider whether or not to let in American satellite radio providers; pose real threat to conventional commercial radio.
Reality programs have had little success claiming intellectual property protection against copycat programs.
Reuters says CanWest newspapers altered words and terms related to Iraq war stories; Head of the Council on American-Islamic Relations calls for Ontario Press Council to look into the matter.
Despite industry forecasts, specialty television has not taken a proportionally significant portion of advertising revenue away from conventional television.
Canadian networks are lobbying the government to relax advertising rules to allow them to tap into the profitable prescription drug ad market.
CanWest CEO and other broadcast executives call for changes that would allow broadcasters to air prescription drug ads and provide more advertising minutes per hour.
FRIENDS opposes two satellite-based radio applications which in our view pose a threat to the integrity of Canadian broadcasting policy by coming nowhere near established Canadian content exhibition requirements.
In 2003, cable operators saw an improvement in their customer base.
FRIENDS says CTV taking advantage of CRTC, seeking end run around licence in order to compete directly with CBC Newsworld.
CHUM executives tell CRTC the purchase of Craig Media will create a large alternative network and that will benefit Canadians.
Direct TV invests over 1 billion dollars in the construction of four satellites intended to provide Americans with a plethora of high-definition TV channels. Senior analyst says the most threatened by this move will be "the tier-two cable operators that are surviving on their local presence".
ACTRA disappointed that CBC, Global and CTV plan Canadian mini-series, films of the week and reality shows this fall, but are not investing in continuing Canadian drama series.
Telelatino president sends letter to editor to correct "misleading factual errors" in an editorial titled "Overhaul the CRTC".
Industry Minister says he does not disagree with Heritage Minister that foreign ownership limits are important to the protection of Canada's cultural industries.
The CRTC should press for an improved benefits package that could include investing in research on media accessibility, if it is to approve the sale of Craig Media Inc. to CHUM Ltd.
The failure of Toronto 1 may have been attributable to its lack of originality.
CTV Newsnet asks CRTC for licence amendments to remove restrictions that would allow it to compete more directly with CBC Newsworld.
FRIENDS' written comments regarding RAI provided to the expert panel appointed by The Minister of Canadian Heritage to study policies and access to third language public television services. The panel invited FRIENDS to an in-person meeting held August 26, 2004.
CTV Newsnet seeks an amendment to its licence that would allow it to compete more directly with other English-language news services such as CBC Newsworld.
Quebecor says it is determined to make Toronto 1 profitable if the CRTC approves the sale of the television station.
Unhappy viewers say that CHUM's new "mainstream" programming isn't part of the New VI bid they supported.
Writer suggests whoever takes over Toronto 1 may choose to make it profitable by converting it into a U.S. reruns channel.
The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network has benefited the Canadian television industry and grown successfully since it was launched five years ago.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters says granting Fox News a broadcast licence would set the dangerous precedent of allowing foreign broadcasters to forgo partnerships with Canadian broadcasters.
Broadcasting space is no longer a scarce resource, and the CRTC is therefore obsolete, columnist says.
5,000 CHOI-FM supporters protest CRTC decision on Parliament Hill.
In the interests of quality, democracy, diversity, localism and competition, the US government and the FCC must change broadcasting regulations to encourage independent media, Turner writes.
Hamilton city councillor bemoans lack of diversity resulting from only one commercial television station in the market, notes similarly sized urban areas have four times the number of stations.
Small producters say the production of Canadian entertainment, especially children's shows, comedy and documentaries, can be lucrative, but state no sustainable business model exists for Canadian drama.
Columnist speculates on appointment of next Global Television president, fate of vice-chair of CRTC.
CBC Radio One's Metro Morning the highest rated morning show in Toronto.
Operations in Australia and New Zealand help CanWest profits rise.
Worldwide gains increase, but Canadian broadcasting arm weighs down overall performance.
Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla comments on CHOI FM decision as an opportunity to discuss the limits of freedom of expression in the context of broadcasting.
Cable carriers seek approval for proposal to run either paid ads or ads promoting their own services in time usually reserved for promoting domestic shows.
A proposal currently before the CRTC may allow cable companies to sell ads during time in American shows' commercial breaks that is normally reserved for public service announcements and promoting upcoming programs.
Cable and broadcasting associations disagree on the proposed risks and benefits of a proposal to sell ads during time now set aside for program promotion and public service announcements.
Columnist speculates CBC President will not be reappointed.
The CRTC will rule on three services; one has only Canadian content and is available only in major urban centres, while the other two have less Canadian content and are available across the country.
CHUM says New VI job cuts result from station performing below expectations.
CHUM has promised a $20 million benefit package to Canadian television, mostly directed at western Canadian producers, if the CRTC approves its takeover of Craig Media.
Sources suggest Quebecor, Torstar, Moses Znaimer may bid on Toronto 1 when CRTC hearings dealing with potential licence trafficking begin in September.
Clearer rules and the capacity for station self-regulation in Canada mean radio content is rarely as controversial as it is south of the border.
Radio ratings have been so strong that many advertisers are switching from TV and print.
CCTA's "Remember Convergence?" paper says Canada's media policies are outdated, calls for change.
Canada's TV broadcast industry posted record high revenues in 2003, StatsCan says.
City-by-city look at Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton TV markets.
StatsCan report shows private radio broadcasters' airtime sales, profits and employee numbers increased last year.
Despite the prevalence of Internet radio and downloadable music, conventional radio broadcasters are still profitable.
Alliance Atlantis has abandoned the film production business and is poised to focus on broadcasting and distribution amid financial writedowns and the resentment of other production companies.
FRIENDS supports Directors Guild in opposing Corus Entertainment application to distribute pay television channel unencrypted on discretionary analog tier.
Millions of Canadians tuned in to CTV, CBC and Global's marathon election-night coverage. The largest number watched CBC.
Directors Guild opposes Corus Entertainment application for approval to distribute pay TV channel MovieMax! on a discretionary analog tier; among other factors, Corus makes no commitment to increase Canadian programming exhibition and expenditure if a change in status were awarded.
Conventional TV networks and advertisers will adapt to changing technology, viewing habits.
Star Choice has moved Sportsnet, TSN, and Raptors NBA TV out of their Sports Pack without notice or proper marketing, channel executives claim.
Unscripted shows are cheaper to produce and draw the audience of young, affluent consumers that advertisers want, CanWest Global study says.
For the first time, CTV has bested Global for the top spot in the Nielsen Media Research and BBM ratings.
FRIENDS gives qualified support to CRTC advertising incentive proposal, noting potential drawbacks; also recommends 150% drama time credit be retained but restricted to 8-10 pm Mon-Wed during peak viewing months.
At Banff Television Festival, Minister of Canadian Heritage denounces Conservative cultural policies, while Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union asks the Liberals to come clean about their own.
With the federal election just two weeks away, political concerns overshadow traditional workshop topics at Banff Television Festival.
CanWest Global founder awarded posthumous lifetime achievement award by Radio-Television News Directors Association.
Canwest Global's David Asper condemns new limits on corporate donations to political parties.
Global programming vice-president Global sees reality television as a "new genre of programming" that is "delivering week in and week out audience numbers and, frankly, opportunities for our clients. It can't be questioned."
A Conservative government would relax Canadian content requirements and foreign ownership restrictions in the broadcasting sector.
Liberals, CFTPA say removing foreign content restrictions would ruin Canadian TV industry; cable executives say Canadians already use technology to bypass restrictions.
Global's fall lineup has turned into a year-round cycle of show premieres.
Columnist theorizes that the Conservative party will be unable to make radical changes to the Canadian broadcasting system, and that Canadians will be "worse off" has a result.
PBS president Pat Mitchell is seeking a niche for the American public broadcaster amid political pressure, funding shortages and commercial competition.
Unveiling of fall schedules reveals different personalities of Canada's television networks.
CTV and Global have both scheduled their strongest U.S. shows on Thursdays, the most important weeknight for broadcasters and advertisers.
Referring to Green Party exclusion from televised national debates, columnist says TV network executives should not control which parties have access to the democratic process.
Conservative party document reveals it would significantly alter CRTC, no longer make it responsible for regulating content.
BCE considers long-term growth prospects and CRTC rulings as it considers selling Bell Globemedia; Rogers responds to Bell cable TV proposal.
StatsCan figures show that Canadian TV broadcasters' revenue growth was at a 15-year high in 2003.
A new Conservative policy handbook outlines the party's intent to loosen Canadian content reguations in the broadcasting sector.
HDTV is a hard sell not because consumers don't know about it, but because they just don't want it, columnist says.
CTV says 52-week programming initiative will mean fewer repeats and a record number of US series.
All television revenues grew in 2003, with private and specialty channels outpacing public and non-commercial broadcasting. Digital channels are also enjoying some success.
Conservative candidate calls for funding halt to "Communist Broadcasting Corporation", says national public broadcaster is a mouthpiece for the federal Liberal party and drives audiences away from private broadcasters.
New study shows Canadian broadcasters pay the lowest licence fees, have the lowest per capita ad revenue and spend the most money on foreign programming of any English-speaking country surveyed.
CanWest Global CEO tells newspaper conference that the media industry is doing well, but must embrace change by charging for online content and having editorial teams work more closely with marketing, advertising and circulation personnel.
With its production business virtually eliminated, Alliance Atlantis is focusing on its "core business" of broadcasting.
Green Party challenges networks, CRTC to be included in televised leaders' debates.
Global adds 23 American shows to fall lineup to replace long-running shows "Friends," "Frasier" and "The Practice."
CHUM expected to play larger role in funding and airing Canadian drama on English-language television as other broadcasters retrench.
Paul Gross tells ACTRA conference the CRTC must do more to ensure Canadian private broadcasters fund domestic programming.
Actor Paul Gross praises CRTC decision to provide incentives for broadcasting Canadian drama, but says broadcasters need a stick, not just a carrot.
Canadian broadcasters, fresh from buying U.S. shows in Los Angeles, rush to finalize schedules and prepare sales pitches to advertisers.
Global, CTV and CHUM shell out for American programming at Los Angeles Screenings.
Although they expected to purchase mainly reality TV, Canadian broadcast buyers at the Los Angeles Screenings also came away with medical and crime dramas.
Major Canadian broadcasters' request that Spike TV be delisted are hypocritical, columnist says.
Canada's national TV networks unveil a lineup of reality shows; supporters say it will satisfy Canadians' tastes, while critics say it will hurt Canadian drama.
Canadian TV buyers in Los Angeles this week expected to focus on reality shows.
Ipsos-Reid pre-election poll commissioned by FRIENDS shows Canadian voters support strengthening Canadian content, culture and identity as a means to balance closer integration with the United States.
FRIENDS' pre-election poll shows strong support for safeguarding Canadian content, culture and identity to balance closer economic integration with the United States.
Nine out of 10 respondents to FRIENDS survey agreed that strengthening Canadian culture and identity is important as Canada-U.S. economic ties increase.
Friends poll shows Canadians want a stronger CBC, less media concentration and a Canadian-owned broadcasting system.
Ipsos-Reid poll commissioned by FRIENDS on the eve of a federal election shows Canadian voters favour maintaining foreign ownership rules, limiting media concentration, and strengthening CBC.
Al Gore may be able to make Newsworld International successful by emphasizing its differences from conventional American TV.
FRIENDS invites CRTC to investigate a dramatic reduction in local news, and an advertising monopoly, resulting from the June 2001 implementation of a local sales agreement in the Sudbury market.
Canadian broadcasters unveil an unprecedented amount of reality shows for next season.
Liberals appear poised to remove foreign ownership restrictions for telephone and cable companies, will be pressured to do the same for broadcasters.
FRIENDS responds to RCMP request, asks that broadcasters no longer air one of four FRIENDS' public service announcements.
CRTC announces new ad-time incentives for Canadian programming; Global reveals a reality-heavy season lineup.
FRIENDS calls CRTC drama incentive, which would grant broadcasters additional advertising minutes for airing Canadian drama, a creative proposal.
Global says it is responding to viewer demand by airing reality shows rather than original Canadian drama in prime time.
CRTC issues public notice and call for comments on proposed package of incentives to encourage Canadian broadcasters to air more Canadian English-language drama and increase audiences and expenditures to Canadian drama programming.
CRTC proposes advertising minutes incentive for broadcasters to air Canadian drama in prime time, calls on government for long-term solution to drama funding problems.
The federal Competition Bureau responds to a complaint that the Rogers/Newcap Sales Management Agreement may constitute a criminal conspiracy under Canadian competition laws.
Survey shows a growing number of Canadians prefer specialty channels to conventional TV, reflecting a trend towards individualized media consumption.
A new survey shows Canadians increasingly prefer programming on specialty channels to that of conventional broadcasters.
Networks that rely on lowest common denominator programming find it is not always the most popular.
Significant CanWest second quarter losses mostly the result of one-time Fireworks Entertainment writedown, less a reflection of overall performance.
In the wake of second quarter losses, CanWest says it will spend more on programming to revive ratings and increase advertising revenues.
Switzer says CHUM will focus on local programming, not compete with Global and CTV for most popular U.S. programming.
National aspirations a significant change in strategic focus for CHUM.
Culture of CHUM has changed following the departure of Moses Znaimer.
The sale of Toronto 1 is thinly disguised licence trafficking; the CRTC should require the licence to be returned.
Lack of interest by broadcasting industry in buying Craig's Toronto 1 reflects that it was licensed for the wrong reasons.
The field of potential buyers of Toronto 1 from CHUM narrows.
Craig's investment in Toronto 1 turned out to be a case of betting the ranch.
Sale of Craig rumoured to be a necessity after significant losses by its Toronto 1 station.
Pending CRTC approval, CHUM plans to buy Craig Media, but sell Craig's Toronto 1 station.
CRTC report tracks performance of cable, DTH and MDS distributors and their contributions to the creation and production of Canadian programming.
Cable industry profits have increased 15.8% since 2002, 4.3% since 2000.
Senate report reveals news accounts for 54 per cent of expenditures on Canadian programming by conventional broadcasters.
Former National Post reporter alleges reaction to lewd behaviour by David Asper led to her termination.
Rogers benefits at both ends of accounting treatment of Blue Jays.
Rogers cited as offering consumers greater flexibility and choice than its U.S. counterparts.
CHUM joins Canadian Satellite Radio and an alliance of CBC and Standard Radio in contest for first Canadian subscription-based satellite radio licence.
CCTA concerned over CAB suggestion of levy for foreign specialty television services.
Anchor says Craig Media's Toronto station doing better than reported.
Growth of analog specialty channel revenues continues.
Cancellation of Mike Bullard Show eliminates the only Canadian talk show from Canadian television.
FRIENDS public meetings on foreign ownership move to Winnipeg.
Insiders say Mike Bullard shocked and saddened by cancellation of show.
Alliance Atlantis, which received millions of dollars in film and television production subsidies from the Canadian government, dismisses suggestions it plans to sell the company, hints that it may be in the mood to buy.
Low ratings cited as reason for Mike Bullard Show's cancellation.
CanWest would consider buying not only Bell Globemedia's specialty TV channels, but also the Globe and Mail.
Asper says CanWest looking for more revenue streams from same content.
Despite early cancellation of Mike Bullard Show, Global says it is committed to producing original Canadian programming.
John Doyle comments on television repeats, originality and reality programming.
FRIENDS meeting channels public concern over plans to open Canadian media and communications sectors to foreign ownership.
Astral continues to have difficulty selling stations it has been ordered to divest as a condition of the federal Competition Bureau's approval of its $225-million purchase of 19 Telemedia radio stations in Eastern Canada.
Astral says a single major deal among Canada's media companies will create a "domino effect" of transactions.
Zerbisias says the CRTC, not a private purchaser, should decide the fate of Craig Media's Toronto1.
Both CBC and CTV this week unveiled ambitious plans, pending funding from the Canadian Television Fund, for a variety of new Canadian prime time drama series, sitcoms and movies of the week for the 2004-2005 season.
Letter to the Editor expresses shock at comments by Liberal MP Stan Keyes, says CBC and public broadcasting are vital.
CTV says it plans to air six original Canadian series in 2004-05 - provided there is adequate government funding.
Torstar may take a majority ownership stake in 49th Media, which plans to replace American ads with Canadian ones on five U.S. specialty channels distributed by Canadian cable networks.
Operating profit for digital and specialty pay channels increased by 36% last year.
Paul Martin makes first public statement about CBC in response to remark by federal minister Stan Keyes that the public broadcaster is a "monster" and implying it should be sold.
National Revenue Minister and Liberal MP Stan Keyes proposes sale of CBC; Rabinovitch tenure as CBC president may not be renewed.
The chair of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment says it has not talked with Bell Globemedia about merging the two companies' sports media properties.
There is strong interest in acquiring Toronto 1, not due to its programming, but because of its CRTC licence.
FRIENDS: CRTC denial of CHUM's Alberta licence applications likely ensures stronger demand for Craig Media.
The federal broadcast regulator said it was "concerned by the potential negative impact" of the new stations on Calgary and Edmonton's markets.
Pitts says CHUM's loss of Alberta licence bid will only intensify its interest in acquiring Craig Media.
The CRTC denied CHUM's applications for Alberta television licenses, citing concerns over the potential impact on the television markets in Calgary and Alberta. It also denied Global's applications for retransmitters in those markets on the basis of ownership concentration and cross-media ownership concerns.
The CRTC ruling on CHUM's application for Alberta television licenses will ultimately raise or lower the selling price of Western broadcaster Craig Media.
Proposed reality TV series centred on religious group could represent a new level of insensitivity that brings reality TV to a halt.
National Post editorial argues the CBC should be scaled down, receive only modest public funding and not air sports, sitcoms or mainstream dramas, so government can focus resources on "real priorities".
Despite two new Canadian productions taking Cold Squad's place, American series filmed in B.C. still outnumber Canadian.
CFTPA head says cancellation of two long-standing English-language Canadian drama series by CTV and Global confirms Canadian drama is in the process of becoming extinct.
Cable sports channels and private broadcasters benefit from government protection as surely as CBC does.
Astral Media's second attempt to sell Quebec radio stations has failed.
Leonard Asper discusses potential CanWest bid for Hollinger assets.
CanWest's Asper considers buying UK newspaper The Telegraph from Conrad Black.
Differences between Rogers' strategy and U.S. cable company Comcast's has much to do with different regulatory and business environments.
Astral Media withdraws application to transfer ownership of eight Quebec radio stations.
BCE says it is too early to tell whether Comcast would sell ESPN's 32% stake in TSN if its bid for Disney is successful.
Rogers Communications to compete in residential telephone market by 2005, strengthening its claim for regulatory treatment equivalent to telecom companies.
CEO Leonard Asper pitches CanWest as a diversified international media enterprise, not "just a TV company", to U.S. investors.
CanWest plans to seek relief from various "egregious" government regulations, such as CRTC policy limiting Canadian broadcasters to 12 minutes of commercials per hour.
Acquiring Craig Media would bring CHUM closer to becoming Canada's third national network.
Craig Media did a bare minimum to meet promises to CRTC for Toronto licence before cashing out.
Quebecor can only expand if it builds on the convergence model it has implemented in Quebec; there would be no such logic to a union between Quebecor and Craig.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters opposes cable's efforts to bring more U.S. specialty channels to Canada as direct feeds, argues competitive with existing Canadian services.
Changes in technology motivate CanWest to charge fees for online content and consider acquiring other media companies.
Overall revenues at BCE Inc., the ultimate owner of CTV, continue to be depressed.
Bell Globemedia, recently rumoured to be interested in selling CTV, has returned to profit as a result of the network's higher TV ratings and airtime sales from U.S. programming.
It is difficult to sympathize with broadcasters who are suing the CRTC over licence fees, considering the benefits and protection that come with their broadcasting licence.
CanWest plans to launch a multimedia digital newspaper it calls a "power-point on steroids".
High-speed broadband has been deployed in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario using power lines.
CRTC report finds that factors including the economy, advertising revenues and reality programming helped double profits for private broadcasters in 2003.
The CRTC's statistical and financial data report on the Canadian television industry shows that net profits posted by private television stations doubled in 2003.
Some say the sale of Craig Media is long overdue, and was simply delayed by winning the Toronto TV licence.
Circumstances leading to the sale of Craig Media partly the result of the inexperience and overexuberance of a family-owned company.
Many Americans are not aware of the array of foreign news stories, commentary and perspectives on U.S. foreign policy available online.
Michael Donovan, co-founder of Salter Street Films, reflects on Alliance Atlantis Communications' announcement of its plans to close Salter Street Films
The BBC is right to be worried that the government may slash its budget and place it under private-sector regulation when its charter is up for renewal in 2006.
Private broadcasters are suing the CRTC for hundreds of millions of dollars, arguing that a licence fee they've been paying amounts to an unconstitutional tax.
CRTC approves transitional digital television licenses for CBC and several private broadcasters.
CanWest identifies a share of cable subscription fees, and relief from requirements to provide local programming, as desirable regulatory changes that would help it to reduce debt and fund acquisitions.
CanWest says it is keen to be a buyer in the anticipated flurry of media deals in Canada and claims it could spend up to $1-billion.
CAB filed a statement of claim with the Federal Court of Canada demanding a refund of CRTC licence fees.
Commercials run during the U.S. Super Bowl cost twich as much as those run during the Canadian Stanley Cup or Grey Cup.
Well-known journalists have an obligation to act professionally when there's a camera on.
The auctioning off of Craig Media, which received a sought after broadcasting licence less than two years ago, illustrates how CRTC's licensing procedure is open to abuse.
The sale of Craig Media is expected to trigger other media sector consolidation in the coming year.
When prime time television does focus on Canada, says John Doyle, much of it is devoted to reflecting our relationship with the United States.
CHUM may purchase Craig Media's A-Channel as a means of entering the Alberta market.
If Quebecor purchases Craig Media, it will primarily be for its Toronto 1 station licence.
Daryl Duke, producer, director and member of FRIENDS' steering committee, comments on the lowering of standards in North American television and the importance of local programming.
Craig family may be seeking more money for Craig Media Inc. than the company is worth.
CHUM says its flat profits are due to increased programming costs and taxes.
CTV to air documentary on the transformation of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) by renowned Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry.
The CRTC rejects large cable rate increases sought by sports specialty services Rogers Sportsnet and The Score.
Astral Media says it is may acquire additional properties within its core business that have the right culture and fit.
Astral Media's first-quarter profit rose more than 25 percent.
CanWest reported a decline in revenues from Canadian television between September and November 2003.
CRTC renews the licenses of 22 domestic specialty channels, but in some cases denies requested rate increases.
Nobody can explain the paradox that while U.S. television revenues increase, viewership is declining.
Conrad Black and David Radler will not stand for re-election as directors at CanWest's annual meeting in Montreal on January 29.
Zerbisias says allowing Ontario Liberal Premier to sell off TVOntario to grapple with the provincial deficit would be a serious blow to public broadcasting.
Despite rumours to the contrary, foreign buyers such as the UK, France and Canada are still eager to buy U.S. programming.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters head says the Canadian government needs an action plan for drawing audiences to 'market sustainable' Canadian programs.
Television's ageism is shortsighted; the over-50 demographic is becoming increasingly influential.
Senior vice-president of investments at the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board says Conrad Black has no place on CanWest's board.
Censorship is wrong, but Aspers' suggestion of a Senate inquiry on the matter is inconsistent with their view that the government keep out of the media business.
Obstacles to communications sector foreign ownership are fading with Paul Martin as Prime Minister, which could quickly lead to U.S. conglomerates buying up our television networks and cable companies.
BCE is reportedly preparing to spin off control of its BellGlobemedia television and newspaper company this year, which includes assets such as The Globe and Mail and CTV.
Ten-year-old TVO current affairs program Studio 2 has survived despite initial antipathy from private broadcasters and government ministers.
CRTC says spending on Canadian news and information programming increased 36% between 1998 and 2002, while the figure for drama and comedy programming was only 11%.
A private firm is helping to accelerate the development of narrated, 'described video' versions of television programs for the benefit of visually impaired audiences.
