New Democrats call for CRTC to end cable war “circus”

OTTAWA – New Democrats say Canadians are fed up with the ongoing media war between the cable giants and the broadcasters. Speaking in the House today, New Democrat MP Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay) said the stand-off has diverted attention from the basic obligation of both the cable companies and broadcasters to invest in local television and Canadian drama. Angus says the federal government must send a clear signal that it will restore balance to the television-cable system.

“On the one hand you have an industry that made $2.1 billion in profits pretending to be the friend of the little guy. Meanwhile they jack up cable rates year after year. On the other hand you have broadcasters crying destitution after blowing $740 million on U.S. TV last year”.

“What’s the result? Canadian consumers are getting gouged. Local television is being held hostage and Canada’s amazingly versatile television workers are being hung out to dry.”

Angus says the problem stems from the refusal of the CRTC to regulate the two players.

“We are in this mess because the CRTC have refused to do their job – which is to represent the public interest and ensure these corporate giants live up to their obligations.”

He challenged the government to come clean about rumours that it is looking at an Order in Council to override the CRTC.

“So the question is – will the government oblige the cable giants to live up to a greater commitment for local television? Will they force broadcasters meet basic commitments to ensuring that Canadian stories are once again heard on Canadian airwaves? And will they protect consumers from further gouging on their cable rates?”