CRTC decision: The problem is unsolved, the need for action remains urgent
MONTRÉAL, April 18, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Quebecor takes note of today's decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and will abide by it. The Corporation will, however, assess its legal options and notes that the legality of the CRTC's intervention is a subject of debate.
"We understand the legal reasoning behind the decision," said Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Quebecor. "However, it behooves us to repeat that the problem remains. The dramatic imbalance in the specialty channels' subscription fees has serious consequences for the viability and survival of French-language television. We also want to reiterate our desire to see the CRTC and the Government of Canada move more quickly to make the changes necessitated by the radical transformations buffeting our television industry. The Commission can count on our full cooperation in producing a regulatory framework that will make it possible for us to operate on a viable basis. Immediate action is needed."
"The status quo is no longer an option," commented France Lauzière, President and CEO of TVA Group. "Bell must recognize the problem that is affecting the entire industry and agree to negotiate in good faith. We have offered to do so on numerous occasions, including before Québec Superior Court and the CRTC, and we remain committed to the proposition. Our specialty channels must remain strong for the benefit of Québec cultural workers and French-speaking viewers."
Quebecor is calling for a rebalancing of the royalties paid to specialty channels, based not on historical rates on each channel's fair market value according to objective, measurable criteria such as ratings, popularity in pick-and-pay plans, and spending on programming. Consumers shouldn't have to pay more for their television package; it is up to the industry to adjust. A channel should also have the right to withdraw its signal in order to counter the bargaining power of the broadcasting distribution undertakings. Finally, final offer arbitration should be voluntary.
About TVA Group
TVA Group Inc. is a communications company engaged in the broadcasting, film and audiovisual production, and magazine publishing industries. TVA Group Inc. is the largest broadcaster of French-language entertainment, news and public affairs programming in North America, and one of the largest private production companies. TVA Group is also the largest publisher of French-language magazines and publishes some of Canada's most popular English-language titles. Its Class B shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TVA.B.
About Quebecor
Quebecor, a Canadian leader in telecommunications, entertainment, news media and culture, is one of the best-performing integrated communications companies in the industry. Driven by their determination to deliver the best possible customer experience, all of Quebecor's subsidiaries and brands are differentiated by their high-quality, multiplatform, convergent products and services.
Québec-based Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A, QBR.B) employs more than 10,000 people in Canada.
A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is strongly committed to the community. Every year, it actively supports more than 400 organizations in the vital fields of culture, health, education, the environment and entrepreneurship.
Visit our website: www.quebecor.com
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Quebecor
SOURCE Quebecor
News published on and distributed by:
