setUoYouRPROFILE's blog: "tufui"

OTTAWA - Media giants have to play fair,gucci outlet share and listen to customers under new guidelines laid out Wednesday by Canada's broadcast regulator. The Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) released the ground rules for a broadcast industry grappling with new platforms and vertically integrated companies. Vertically integrated companies include, for example, cable or satellite companies that also own the TV channels they sell to Canadians. CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein said the new rules strike a balance between independent companies that were seeking stricter rules, and the major market players that balked at any regulatory fixes. “We clearly wanted to make sure the big players can enjoy the benefits of consolidation,” he said. “At the same time, we want to make sure the small players don't get squashed.” Under the new rules, companies must share their TV programming with other companies interested in making it available to their mobile or Internet customers. But media giants can still develop exclusive and original content to be delivered to their customers solely through their own devices. The regulator has also developed a code of conduct to prevent anti-competitive behaviour and ensure companies negotiate deals in good faith. Finally, it dictated that 25% of all specialty services distributed by the big industry players must be owned by an independent broadcaster. But the regulator tossed the ball back to the broadcasters on two key issues: What's called “skinny basic” cable and pick-and-pay packages. Both would give consumers more flexibility in the cable packages they purchase. The CRTC is asking Bell Canada, Quebecor Media, Rogers Communications, and Shaw Communications to submit a report by April 1, 2012, detailing what each has done to meet consumer demands. Mirko Bibic, senior vice-president with regulatory and government affairs with Bell Canada, called the guidelines disappointing and argued they would stifle innovation. He also slammed the commission for saying it will arbitrate price disputes between media players if necessary. “That is price regulation and that is the most heavy-handed form of price regulation you can have.”