CRTC Looks At Ownership Limits

Ownership Limits On The Horizon?

The CRTC surprised representatives of CANADA's media giants by asking for comments on three possible scenarios for limiting broadcast and cable ownership at its hearing on media diversity in GATINEAU, QC MONDAY. The commissioners asked panelists about three proposals by the CBC, one which would limit cross-ownership to a maximum of two types of media among radio, TV, and newspapers in any market, another whoch would prohibit ownership of multiple cable or satellite TV systems, and a third limiting cable channel ownership. 

The proposals, based on Australian regulations, are unlikely to be implemented, but were not expected as options following a wave of merger activity that saw CTVGLOBEMEDIA buy CHUM LTD., CANWEST GLOBAL and GOLDMAN SACHS buy ALLIANCE ATLANTIS, ASTRAL MEDIA buy STANDARD BROADCASTING, and ROGERS pick up the CITY-TV spinoffs from the CHUM merger.

« see more Net News