Shaw heads to inquiry into ownership of TV channels by cable and satellite firms

GATINEAU, Que. – The CRTC will hear from Shaw Communications today as it continues its hearings into the ownership of television channels by the big cable and satellite companies.

Shaw (TSX:SJR.B) bought 11 former CanWest TV stations and some specialty channels last year for $2 billion.

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The federal regulator has already heard from BCE (TSX:BCE), Telus (TSX:T), Rogers (TSX:RCI.B) and Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B).

Both BCE and Quebecor have called for fewer rules and for the regulator to allow exclusive deals for content on new devices like smartphones and tablets.

However Rogers and Telus have lined up on the opposite side and called for the regulator to block exclusive deals for content on the new platforms.

In a filing before the hearings started, Shaw said that it prefers non-exclusive deals, but did not support a blanket prohibition against exclusive deals.