Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Minister Shelley Glover held a press conference in Vancouver this morning to announce she has asked the CRTC to come up with a plan to unbundle cable channels.
The federal government made a promise in this fall’s throne speech to allow consumers to pick and choose which cable channels they would like to receive.
Glover says they are trying to balance consumer choice against any possible negative economic impact for broadcasters and cable providers.
“In the speech from the throne, our government said they wanted to allow Canadians to choose the combination of television channels that they want, right now, most cable and satellite subscribers must sign up for bundles of channels, many of which they may have no interest in, to get the ones that they really want. Our government has said very clearly that would require channels to be unbundled while protecting Canadian jobs.”
Cable companies say there are some dangers to the plan, and that it may not reduce prices for consumers because the cost of popular channels may go up.
Shaw Communications — one of Canada’s largest cable television providers and parent company of Global Television — says they are actively working to expand consumer choice.
“Shaw is constantly working to expand the choices and flexibility available to our customers so they can receive the most value from our products and services. As the needs of our customers and viewers evolve, we will continue to be thoughtful, creative and diligent in the services we offer to ensure we stay on top of their expectations. As our customers look for more and better, we embrace the opportunity to work with the Federal Government to ensure we have the flexibility to compete while making the right investments necessary to continue delivering exceptional customer experiences today and well into the future,” said Peter Bissonnette, President, Shaw Communications in a written statement.
Vancouver-based TELUS says they are in favour of expanding consumer choice.
“TELUS supports the government objective of expanding customer choice, and we are looking forward to the review of Canada’s television framework,” says Shawn Hall, social and media relations spokesperson at TELUS.
There is also concern from independent producers who fear a number of independent channels may die because there isn’t enough support for them.
The CRTC will report back to the federal government this spring.
Video: Global News BC1 anchor Sonia Sunger speaks with Ottawa Bureau Chief Jacques Bourbeau about the announcement:
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