John Bitove, the man responsible for bringing Canada XM Satellite Radio, and the owner of the Priszm Income Fund wants to launch a new national HDTV network in Canada. The network, would be available free over the air (OTA) to anyone in one of eight markets in Canada. The service would also be carried by the major cable and satellite providers. In the US, HD is available in almost all major markets (if not all) free simply by plugging in an old fashioned antenna. But in Canada, unless you want to shell out big bucks to your local Cable or Satellite you can’t get the service.

This is a shame actually since there is a great set of instructions online for building your own indoor HD antenna, that works better than one you would buy from the store. I actually built this, and it does work. If you want to enjoy an afternoon of arts and crafts, click HERE and check out the instructions. I HAVE done it, and it does work… (but I digest…)

Bitove seeks to end all of that by offering Canadians a choice. This move may actually spur the other broadcasters to begin paying attention to the other customers out there who want to watch their content but don’t want to spend 50 bucks a month to do so.

But, as we say… the devil is in the details. In Canada, a broadcaster must spend a certain amount of money on local programming, including local news. Bitove is asking the CRTC to overturn this requirement for him saying that he will instead produce one national broadcast instead.

Bitove argues the commission should allow him to enter the market now that the number of companies controlling media in Canada is shrinking. His company would be a new entrant in to the market, something the CRTC is looking for.

The Canadian Association Of Broadcasters is not so thrilled however. And is opposing the creation of a new network. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters argues that advertising revenues have been flat since 2003.

“Advertising revenues have been flat since 2003 and profitability has never been lower. This is simply not a sector that can support new entry at this time.” Gerry O’Farrell

The CRTC is concerned with Bitove’s request that he be exempt from the Local Content rule, fearing that other companies may begin to ask for the same concessions.

Personally I am very divided on this. On one hand I am very disappointed with the HDTV offerings in Canada. We are lagging behind the rest of the world, and there is really no reason for it. On the other hand, I know many people that make their living working in television. If the CRTC allows Bitove’s request they are 100% correct in their assumptions that other companies will begin demanding the same concession.

If this happens local programming could ultimately erode almost completely away in our smaller cities like Hamilton, and be reduced to almost nothing in larger cities like Toronto.

If the CRTC approves this request, I would hope that it does not repeat its concession to other broadcasters, but I would hope that ultimately Bitove & company come back with something a little more local programming friendly.

If you have something to say about this PLEASE, comment here, or better yet, write to the CRTC directly by clicking HERE.

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