Satellite television access to CBC/Radio-Canada:
It’s time to get it right

Are you a satellite subscriber deprived of your local CBC or Radio-Canada television station?

Satellite television (a.k.a. direct-to-home, or DTH) subscribers account for about one-quarter of total viewers across Canada. Many of these subscribers, however, don’t at present have access to their local CBC or Radio-Canada station.

This problem of accessibility is an issue that needs to be resolved. And there is hope. The situation exists because of an outdated regulatory policy. The CRTC is now reviewing that policy. Hearings began on November 16, 2010. CBC/Radio-Canada was there to make its case for change.

The regulatory framework as it stands

Unlike cable companies, which can provide a distinct feed for each of the markets they cover, satellite providers beam down one signal that all Canadians from coast to coast must share.

Under the CRTC’s current policy framework, satellite service providers have only two obligations when it comes to carrying the signals of a given broadcaster. Unfortunately, carrying all local television stations is not one of them:

• They are required to carry at least one TV station from each nationally-licensed television network and a minimum of 5 CBC and 5 Radio-Canada stations, including one from each time zone.
• They must also carry at least as many English or French-language CBC and Radio-Canada stations as it distributes from any one private broadcasting group.

So what does that mean for Canadians?

The result of the CRTC’s rules is that today, Canada’s two major satellite television providers have chosen to leave out many CBC and Radio-Canada stations from their service. Bell TV carries 11 of 14 CBC stations and eight of 13 Radio-Canada stations, while Shaw Direct carries only 10 of 14 CBC stations and only six of 13 of Radio-Canada stations.

Here’s how the “missing” stations break down:

CBC	Radio-Canada
Bell TV (3) Fredericton/Saint John Charlottetown Windsor Shaw Direct (4) St. John’s Fredericton/Saint John Charlottetown Windsor	Bell TV (5) Rimouski Chicoutimi (Saguenay) Trois-Rivières Toronto Regina Shaw Direct (7) Rimouski Chicoutimi (Saguenay) Trois-Rivières Quebec Sherbrooke Toronto Regina

Recent policy changes aren’t enough

Starting September 1, 2011, satellite TV providers will be obligated to carry at least one TV station per province (and only 2 stations from the 4 Atlantic provinces) owned by each major Canadian broadcasting ownership group.  CBC and Radio-Canada are considered to be two distinct ownership groups. 

While this is a step in the right direction, it will not guarantee citizens access to their local CBC or Radio-Canada station. That’s because CBC and Radio-Canada operate multiple stations in certain provinces.

The challenge is particularly acute in Quebec, where Radio-Canada operates six TV stations. Bell TV currently carries only three of those. Shaw Direct carries only one. But more than that, the current rules do not ensure a diversity of voices in that province: Shaw Direct, for example, carries five of the six TVA stations, and four of the five V (formerly TQS) stations.

More Info

CBC/Radio-Canada’s submission to the CRTC

Press Releases

• CBC/Radio-Canada urges CRTC to ensure satellite TV access to local stations
• Satellite television access to CBC/Radio-Canada: It’s time to get it right

In the media
 

• CBC fights Bell, Shaw over local TV (CBC.ca, Sept. 1, 2010)
• CBC wants more satellite distribution (Mediacaster, Sept. 2, 2010)