Canadian subscribers to cable and satellite services may have to face higher prices because of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to look into forcing providers to bulk up their basic package with almost 22 niche channels. If the CRTC gives its approval, the new rules will force consumers to pay much more for packages that will include channels they do not watch.
The CRTC’s evaluation of distribution revolve around a couple of main issues. The first concern is whether the CRTC should even be forcing companies to add programming that will make services more expensive for consumers. The second concern is if regulation is not put into place, then is asking broadcasters to offer the prescribed services and lets consumers choose if they want to buy in.
The review taking place right now has a comment period and a hearing in April in which 22 channels want to be labbels as mandatory channels. Critics believes getting on that list is like winning the lottery because they have the potential of making a lot of money.
All the extra cash would be coming from consumers who may end up paying hundreds of dollars extra. If the rule is approved than consumers will have no choice in their subscription and will be forced to purchase channels. All a channel needs to to get on the mandatory list is convince CRTC commissioners that they are making “an exceptional contribution to Canadian expression.” They do not need to convince to millions of Canadians that will be forced to pay for the service.
CRTC chair, Jean Pierre Blais, had state in 2012 that his agency would “put Canadians at the centre of their communications system.”
From the new rules under consideration it seems the opposite is true.
Source: The Star
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