Source : Globe & Mail

CTV and Global Television, sworn enemies on the television dial, are expected to join forces today in a bid to convince the federal broadcast regulator to let them charge cable and satellite carriers for their signals. The networks were blocked last year in a similar attempt, but the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has reopened the debate. The networks argue their business models are under fire amid competition from specialty channels, who are allowed to charge small monthly fees in addition to selling ads. Those fees are passed to consumers. The broadcasters released a survey yesterday suggesting most Canadians believe they already pay for the big network signals. However, the cable companies have argued they would not absorb the fee, and would charge viewers. The hearings are set for April.

© Globe and Mail