Playback has an interesting article online about the changes to basic cable being considered by the CRTC.
In short, there are a number of new channels who want to be in the basic-cable lineup. And those that are there, including CBC Newsworld, would like to stay put, thankyouverymuch.
The feds are preparing to rewrite the list of channels included with basic cable, in preparation for the switch to digital in 2010, a move that could open the door for a number of new channels, but threatens to shut out others if they are unable to argue for their continued inclusion on cable’s A-list.
New channels looking to break in include Canada One TV, which emphasizes multicultural programming; the Métis Michif Television Network; The Accessible Channel, all in described video; and All Points Bulletin, about public service and law enforcement.
If successful, the new channels will reach some eight million Canadian homes and make millions in subscription fees paid by cable and satellite operators. The Métis channel is looking to charge $0.15 per monthly subscriber, for example, while Canada One, a venture backed by broadcast exec Paul de Silva and producers Alfons Adetuyi and Amos Adetuyi, among others, is seeking a hefty $0.50.
The Commission is also considering a change of ownership at The Documentary Channel, in which CBC will take over control of the channel from Corus Entertainment.
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| CBC Newsworld, Documentary Channel, The CRTC, The Media Landscape |
“Switch to digital”? As in “everyone into whichever end of the metaphorical pool we choose” digital? I didn’t think it was that great an idea for the FCC to do south of the border. Not so sure it’s any better an idea for us to adopt up here.
That remark about digital in general aside, however, I do think that Newsworld and the Weather Channel are two of those that ought to remain part of the basic cable service, no matter what.
I wonder how many times a day we can stand to have “Canada: A People’s History” aired.
I guess the CRTC will be the body to decide that.
Mike. I think you’re the only person in the country who didn’t like C:APH.
Save the U.S. broadcast netorks (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and FOX) I don’t see why any other U.S. channels should be part of our “basic” packages. For instance, A&E, CNN, etc. could easily be moved to a “choice” tier to free up some room for the more vital Canadian services on the basic tier.
I agree with Jason, especially A&E, which is now essentially the Law and Order channel.
Tod - It’s not so much that I didn’t like C:APH. But, it says something (loudly), when it’s on the dial several times every day on some CBC and/or sub-broadcaster like IFC or other.
Does the CBC think that this is value for money? Is this how they crank up the viewership numbers of a show? Show it three of four times a day for a few years:
12 (viewers) X 4 (airings/day) X 365 X 7 (years since original airing) = 122,640 viewers
I’m not sure of the viewership (I was one of them) when it was originally aired, so please add that to the ongoing viewer counter to get this afternoon’s total.
The CBC web site should run one of those rolling counters on it somewhere to keep the beleaguered taxpayers up to date.