Wednesday, December 24, 2025
ADVT 
National

Telecom giant says U.S. channels need to be included in smaller basic cable

Darpan News Desk Canadian Press, 11 Sep, 2014 12:54 PM

    One of Canada's biggest cable service providers is rejecting the idea of allowing Canadians to pick TV channels one at a time.

    Rogers Communications has told the country's broadcast regulator it agrees with a proposal to offer its customers a smaller basic service.

    But it says the price for that service should not be capped, and it should include channels from the major American TV networks.

    The company has also strongly rejected a proposal to ban the simultaneous substitution of Canadian advertising over American ads.

    The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is holding two weeks of public hearings on how Canadians receive TV programming and how they pay for it.

    One proposal on the table, which is being promoted by the federal government, would see a so-called pick-and-pay system established.

    The proposal, if enacted, would allow Canadians the ability of picking individual channels, on top of a smaller basic service made up of Canadian channels.

    The CRTC is also debating the notion of capping the cost of basic service at between $20 and $30 per month.

    Rogers also slammed a proposal to include the online revenues of broadcasters in the definition of broadcasting revenue.

    Rogers executive Keith Pelley said that would put Canadian online services at a competitive disadvantage to non-tradition online broadcasters, such as Netflix.

    The Ontario and Quebec governments, along with the CBC and cultural organizations, have suggested that the CRTC regulate Netflix and other online video services to force them to contribute to Canada's television content production system.

    But the Harper government has warned the CRTC that it will reject any attempt to created what it has dubbed a "Netflix tax."

    Rogers executive Phil Lind, who has been with the company for decades, told the commission that the current set of hearings are the most important for Canada's television industry that he's seen in his career.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Montreal police chief vows probe as municipal workers invade city hall

    Montreal police chief vows probe as municipal workers invade city hall
    Montreal's police chief is vowing there will be a full investigation into a rowdy pension plan protest that saw some municipal employees storm city hall.

    Montreal police chief vows probe as municipal workers invade city hall

    WATCH: Surrey Councillor Barinder Rasode Takes The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

    WATCH: Surrey Councillor Barinder Rasode Takes The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
    Barinder Rasode is amongst the latest to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. She was nominated by local TV and Radio star Kuljeet Kaila.

    WATCH: Surrey Councillor Barinder Rasode Takes The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

    Khurram Sher, one-time Canadian Idol contestant, not guilty on terrorism charge

    Khurram Sher, one-time Canadian Idol contestant, not guilty on terrorism charge
    Khurram Syed Sher, a doctor who once sang on the Canadian Idol TV show, has been found not guilty of conspiring to facilitate terrorism — the first acquittal at trial of someone charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

    Khurram Sher, one-time Canadian Idol contestant, not guilty on terrorism charge

    Federal government sued over funding for Nunavut land-use plan

    Federal government sued over funding for Nunavut land-use plan
    An Arctic planning body is taking the federal government to court, claiming Ottawa is blocking efforts to create a land-use plan that would guide resource development in Nunavut.

    Federal government sued over funding for Nunavut land-use plan

    Winnipeg's 'homeless hero' dies after alcoholism, jail and attempts at help

    Winnipeg's 'homeless hero' dies after alcoholism, jail and attempts at help
    A man known as Winnipeg's "Homeless Hero" is being remembered as someone who battled alcoholism and other demons right up until his final days.

    Winnipeg's 'homeless hero' dies after alcoholism, jail and attempts at help

    Saskatchewan toddler not reported missing for a day found in bush

    Saskatchewan toddler not reported missing for a day found in bush
    Mounties in northern Saskatchewan are investigating after a toddler disappeared for nearly 24 hours before being reported missing.

    Saskatchewan toddler not reported missing for a day found in bush