Canadian Broadcast Rules May Change

Today’s Toronto Star has a story about the upcoming CRTC hearings into Canadian Broadcast regulations.

Some key points…

- The possible elimination of “genre protection”. That means no American signal is allowed to broadcast in Canada if it competes with a Canadian channel. It’s why there is no HBO, USA Network or ESPN here.

- Discussion about Signal Substitution. The Cable/Satellite providers are required to substitute the Canadian signal overtop of the U.S. channel so we are forced to watch all those Canadian ads. Signal substitution is particularly bad for HD broadcasts because very often CTV or Global screws up the signal. The 5.1 surround sound is reduced to stereo, or the picture is reduced to a compressed 720p from 1080i. The Digital Home forums are full of stories of Canadian broadcasters butchering a pristine HD signal.

- An increase in “Carriage Fees”. In other words a tax you will have to pay on your cable bill just for the “privilege” of getting your local CTV or Global T.V. station.

My biggest problem with the CRTC and all these protectionist rules, is that they were designed to help develop a domestic Canadian television industry. But for the most part, the CRTC simply protects Ted Rogers and CTVglobemedia. They are supposed to use the money they make from showing American shows to help develop Canadian programs. However, spending on domestic production is very low.

It’s time the CRTC tell the Canadian broadcasters to start spending some big money on domestic shows, or the no-competiton rules that have protected them and lined their pockets for years, get torn up.

UPDATE…Digital Home has an in-depth look here.