Big Cable Says “Me Too”Feb 26, 2003 Ottawa – Appearing before a parliamentary committee this afternoon the Canadian Cable Television Association demanded that Parliament completely eliminate restrictions on foreign investment in their sector. “This confirms predictions that relaxing such barriers for the telecom industry could lead to the same rules for cable and broadcasting companies. Once the door is open for telcos, cablecasters and broadcasters will demand the same treatment”, said Ian Morrison, spokesperson for Friends of Canadian Broadcasting. “We’ve seen this happen before,” Morrison said. "In 1995 cable monopolies and broadcasters successfully demanded a reduction in foreign ownership restrictions, arguing for parallel treatment to telcos." Morrison pointed out that all the largest cable companies own broadcasters. For example:
“If the big cable companies get relaxed ownership requirements, non-cable owned broadcasters will demand equal treatment,” Morrison said. “Once foreigners are allowed to buy a controlling interest in Canadian telecom companies, it will be only a matter of time before Canadian broadcasters are owned and controlled by non-Canadian companies,” Morrison said. "Members of four families – the Audets, the Péladeaus, the Rogers and the Shaws – control access to 87% of Canadian cabled homes, and would benefit greatly were foreign investment restrictions relaxed. They are the controlling shareholders of companies that currently have few potential buyers in Canada. A change in foreign ownership restrictions means that there will be more potential bidders for their shares. "That drives up share values. If you raise foreign ownership levels it ultimately will mean a major payday for those families. It's just that simple. “The point is that one result of a relaxation of foreign ownership rules in the cable industry would be to put billions of dollars into the pockets of the members of four families – at the stroke of Her Excellency's pen – and ensure that Canada’s broadcasting industry is owned and controlled south of the border,” Morrison said. For information:Jim Thompson 613-447-9592 |
Apr 30, 2012 — Michaëlle Jean is the People’s Pick for CBC ChairFRIENDS says the CBC belongs to all Canadians and its leadership positions should be open to the best and brightest citizens, not just those on the government’s patronage pay-off list Apr 26, 2012 — FRIENDS launch People’s Pick for CBC ChairFRIENDS says the antiquated practice of political patronage for appointing the CBC Board and President is in need of reform. Mar 29, 2012 — Vindictive cuts break CBC promise and target Canadian cultureThe federal budget singles out the CBC for vindictive cuts that break the Conservative’s election promise to maintain or increase funding to the national public broadcaster. Mar 23, 2012 — Nanos poll shows Canadians want CBC promise keptA new Nanos survey has found a majority of Canadians support or somewhat support the position staked out by Heritage Minister James Moore one day after the election that the Conservative government will maintain or increase CBC funding. Mar 16, 2012 — BCE acquisition of Astral raises concernsFRIENDS says BCE Inc.'s bid to purchase Astral Media, the largest media merger in Canadian history, raises concerns about market domination. Feb 13, 2012 — Poll finds Canadian media too important to allow foreign controlAccording to a new opinion survey, 77% of Canadians see domestic media companies as too important for cultural and security reasons to allow them to be controlled by foreign interests. Feb 1, 2012 — Hamilton residents want their own CBC stationA substantial majority of Hamilton area residents would like CBC to establish a local radio station to cover community affairs, and support the Conservative's pre-election pledge to maintain or increase CBC funding. Jan 31, 2012 — London residents want their own CBC stationA wide majority of London residents would like CBC to establish a local radio station to cover community affairs and most hope their MP would champion the new station or not oppose it. |
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