The CRTC has approved a change of ownership at The Canadian Documentary Channel, passing control of the channel to CBC, which now holds an 82% stake and takes over for Corus Entertainment.According to Playback magazine,

“The feds okayed the deal, valued at $1 million, on Friday, following a review in which critics expressed concern that the consolidation would give the Ceeb a monopoly on the market, leading to less variety and fewer opportunities for docmakers. CBC already does heavy trade in docs through its main network and CBC Newsworld.

“But regulators accepted the Ceeb’s assurances that CDC will operate with due independence from its execs on Front Street, and that, although a new license will be issued, that the channel will continue to abide by its current commitment to spend at least 50% of its acquisition budget on third-party projects. The channel will also continue to focus on long-form docs.

	3 Comments »	See also: Documentary Channel
	Email this	Posted at 6:53 am (26 Jun 2007)

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.

	7 Comments »	See also: CBC Newsworld, Documentary Channel, The CRTC, The Media Landscape
	Email this	Posted at 2:11 pm (27 Mar 2007)