CCA Bulletin 3/11 – Nothing like a CRTC submission to start the year off right!

Just the facts

On February 1, the CRTC will begin hearings on the application by Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE) to acquire full control of CTVglobemedia Inc. (CTVgm) and its licensed broadcasting subsidiaries. The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) has filed a short brief in which it presents its position on the two fundamental issues raised by BCE’s application, namely: the necessary public benefits package to be included in this large transaction and the impacts of the ever increasing conglomeration of broadcasting and media platforms in Canada

There is little doubt that the transaction will be approved, as in late October, the Commission approved the takeover of Canwest properties by Shaw Communications. Interestingly enough, the same day it authorized the Shaw/Canwest deal, the Commission announced it would hold a hearing to examine the implications of such a mega-acquisition. Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein was quoted as saying, “The broadcasting industry is being significantly reshaped by a series of major transactions. As a regulator, it is only prudent that we study the implications to ensure we have the right tools to deal with competitive concerns as they arise." (more)