Over-the-air policy changes could have “drastic” impact, independent specialty services caution
Joint CRTC submission marks first for sector

In a precedent-setting display of unity, eight independent specialty broadcasters have come together to file a joint submission to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission's review of conventional television.

These broadcasters, none of which is affiliated with a cable or satellite provider, or integrated into a large media corporation, have urged the regulator to “maintain a balance between the interests of conventional broadcasters and the health of the system as a whole.”

This represents the first time that independent specialty broadcasters have addressed their concerns to the CRTC as a group.

The members of the independent specialties group are: the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network , Asian Television Network International Limited , Channel Zero Inc ., the Ethnic Channels Group Limited , S-VOX Trust , Stornoway Communications LLP , Fairchild Television/Talentvision and TV5 Quebec Canada .

While this group of eight does not represent a formal coalition, the broadcasters do share common concerns. Bill Roberts , President and CEO of S-VOX Trust, said changes in the policies governing over-the-air broadcasters may have significant impact on the specialty and pay sector – and on independent specialty services in particular.

Said Mr. Roberts: “Canadian broadcasting must reflect this country's diversity of cultures and perspectives. It is essential that the CRTC preserve space in the system for independent voices, and ensure that new entrants and innovators can continue to reach viewers."

In their submission, the independents express concern about the possible introduction of a subscriber fee paid to over-the-air broadcasters. Cable and satellite providers, they caution, would pass this along to consumers, or else offset the cost by reducing the subscription fees paid to independent specialty services. Any such changes would have “drastic” economic implications for these unaffiliated broadcasters.

“Independent specialties operate on much smaller economies than established specialty broadcast groups or large conventional services,” they write. “The business models of the independent specialties are … more fragile and more susceptible to negative repercussions when other elements of the broadcast system change.”