Future of Canadian TV

[Boges]

Google says.

Also new to the traditional NBA League Pass package, which this year will retail at a suggested price of $199.99, will be a "Team Pass" package in which fans can access all the games of their favorite team for $119.99, said NBA officials. Fans can purchase NBA League Pass beginning Sept. 8, according to the league.

That's $25/month. If you root for a team in your local market, then cable is clearly the better option.

[bush_cheney2004]

More evidence that American "4+1" television broadcast stations/networks are part of the CRTC game.....Hubbard Broadcasting's request to be de-listed as an official non-Canadian television service for the Thunder Bay, Ontario region....was denied in 2014 as not in the best interest of Canadians who enjoyed access to the American content.

Issues concerning violations of Copyright Act for signal modifications and content licensing in a foreign country were ignored as not within CRTC jurisdiction. In short, the CRTC wants to have it both ways.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2015/2015-187.pdf

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/09/us-stations-canada-licensing-fee_n_2101577.html

Edited June 30, 2016 by bush_cheney2004

[waldo]

Issues concerning violations of Copyright Act for signal modifications and content licensing in a foreign country were ignored as not within CRTC jurisdiction. In short, the CRTC wants to have it both ways.

no - the Commission advised it doesn't have the mandate/authority to address the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement article (as translated through to the Canadian Copyright Act)... the direction is clear for the U.S. ABC TV affiliate to pursue this 'in a different forum'. I'm particularly taken with the reference that shows the affiliate chose not to be an official intervenor... apparently, now, as you say, "it {the affiliate} wants to have it both ways"! Please ensure to update your post (this thread) as to whether the affiliate has chosen to pursue further - thanks in advance.

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[bush_cheney2004]

National Numeris ratings for English Canada shows strong preference for American reality TV shows. Perhaps reruns of American dramas and situation comedies lose favour during the warm Canadian summer:

http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/June%2020,%202016%20-%20June%2026,%202016%20%28National%29.pdf

[waldo]

National Numeris ratings for English Canada shows strong preference for American reality TV shows. Perhaps reruns of American dramas and situation comedies lose favour during the warm Canadian summer:

http://assets.numeris.ca/Downloads/June%2020,%202016%20-%20June%2026,%202016%20%28National%29.pdf

hey now! When you need a go-to... go-to your favoured weekly Numeris ratings! Now for those who still watch much tee-vee, here's an interesting point of departure when comparing to the latest top ranked U.S. broadcast shows. That Canadian Numeris listing has 6 news category shows within the top 30... meanwhile, in keeping with that broad intellectually lacking and insular to the world stereotype for Americans, there are 0... zeero... news category shows within the U.S. top 30 rankings. Oh my!

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[bush_cheney2004]

Incredibly, the CRTC's "Let's Talk TV: A Conversation with Canadians" process has yielded procedures to complain about simsub errors while watching American programming. So egregious and upsetting is this clunky advertising substitution process, the CRTC finally relented for the NFL Super Bowl.

.....Nonetheless, Canadians have expressed ongoing frustration with the issue of simultaneous substitution in general and the frequency of errors made during the simultaneous substitution process in particular. The broadcasters that request such substitutions and the distributors that carry them out have a duty to ensure that they are free of disruptions or interruptions, given that the simultaneous substitution regime forms an exception to the general principle that distributors must act as common carriers.

...However, to ensure that simultaneous substitution is executed in a seamless fashion, the Commission is introducing meaningful consequences should broadcasters and distributors make errors. Specifically, the Commission intends to amend its regulations to deal with recurring, substantial simultaneous substitution errors...

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2015/2015-25.htm

Substantial ? Compared to what ?

This comical exchange between the CRTC and Rogers illustrates that when it comes to TV in Canada..."it's complicated".

http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/carriers/crtc-rogers-stop-blaming-super-bowl/

So Canadian viewers are asked to do their duty and be ever vigilant for simsub errors:

“The CRTC is doing its part to reduce the irritants of sim-sub mistakes, but we can’t solve this problem alone. We need Canadians to be ever vigilant about sim-sub errors. If you see a mistake, let us know."

http://www.sportscastermagazine.ca/on-air/canadian-tv-cops-say-no-blocking-super-bowl-ads-announce-end-simultaneous-substitution/1003406230/

Edited July 9, 2016 by bush_cheney2004

[waldo]

Incredibly, the CRTC's "Let's Talk TV: A Conversation with Canadians" process has yielded procedures to complain about simsub errors while watching American programming.

Substantial ? Compared to what ?

please! No need for you to dredge up a dated Jan, 2015 reference. In keeping with my prior post that highlighted the void of news category shows within the U.S. top 30 rankings... in keeping with that broad intellectually lacking and insular stereotype for Americans, your post provides the perfect related hook. Here, let the waldo bring you forward/current to June 15, 2016 and relate the relevance of simultaneous substitution in a regulatory framework: Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2016-224 --- Policy framework for local and community television

Licensees have a duty to serve the public interest in return for using the public airwaves and the privilege of holding a licence. In the case of conventional television stations, privileges such as distribution on the basic service, the right to broadcast local advertising and simultaneous substitution go hand in hand with the responsibility to provide local programming. Further, given that a vibrant, free and responsible news ecosystem is a public good, licensees must ensure that the news and analysis they broadcast meets a high standard, particularly at the local level.

simultaneous substitution - a privilege for licensees; one that requires, in turn, an assurance that, "news and analysis broadcasted meets a high standard". Why yes, thank you... thank you very much: we have high standard news broadcasted... and per your provided Numeris rankings - we apparently watch it too!

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[bush_cheney2004]

I like this reader response to the simsub issue and American programming (Super Bowl):

I'm heading to Grand Forks ND to watch next year...screw Canada and its messed up CRTC rules...yeah lets watch Tim Horton's, and Canadian Tire ads instead of superbowl commercials...CRTC F/U

the real Canadian opinion...

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150129/10460129854/canadians-cant-watch-real-superbowl-commercials.shtml#comments

[waldo]

I like this reader response to the simsub issue and American programming (Super Bowl):

well... I guess if you think your banal (and dated) reference to simultaneous substitution, particularly focused on "Super Bowl commercials", is speaking to the threads emphasis on the future of Canadian tee-vee! It's always so telling when you resort to the need to play out your agenda with such frivolous efforts as this. Wow... some Canadians want to catch those commercials live - go figure! You know, those commercials from foreign (non-US)-owned brands like H&M (Sweden), Axe and Danone (France), SodaStream and Wix (Israel), Clash of Clans’ Supercell (Finland)... like Samsung and L’Oreal... from such automotive industry leaders as Toyota, Maserati, Hyundai, Nissan, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz... like KIA, Honda, Volkswagen and Jaguar...

and let's not forget those U.S.-based advertisers, like PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch, etc., that actually chose to buy ad time on the Canadian broadcasts of the Super Bowl... apparently Canadians are just as important to them, as they are to you!

speaking of that global world-wide audience for the Super Bowl (some 40-45 million non-U.S. viewers), there's football... and then there's the 'beautiful game' football, the real football, where some 3.2 billion viewers watched the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Let those ~165 million Americans watch their Super Bowl... just make sure those Super Bowl commercials are available live to Canadians!

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[bush_cheney2004]

Amazingly, CRTC simsub hearings minutes and new policy explicitly reference the NFL Super Bowl by name, which I think is copyrighted. Why didn't they just start a simsub exception list to be amended as needed for more American or international content (e.g. Academy Awards).

Will every show require it's own CRTC review process and public hearing for BDU impact ?

I wonder if this happened years ago for Giligan's Island ?

[waldo]

Amazingly, CRTC simsub hearings...

please sir, you continue to derail this thread! Simultaneous substitution has no bearing on the "future" per this thread OP... simultaneous substitution is "the here and now"! Per the CRTC:

Reasons for simultaneous substitution

There are a few reasons for allowing simultaneous substitution:

• To protect the rights of broadcasters:

  When broadcasters buy programs from American and Canadian producers or networks, they pay to have broadcast rights for their markets. Simultaneous substitution protects these rights.

• To promote local broadcasting and local creation:

  By helping local stations keep their local audiences and the advertising dollars that go with those audiences, simultaneous substitution enables them to continue to operate and offers their viewers local as well as international programming.

• To keep advertising dollars in the Canadian market:

  A lot of the time, an American signal is replaced with a Canadian one. Watching Canadian advertising instead of American ensures that advertising money is generated for the Canadian market.

now, if you think you can get some mileage for your agenda through the CRTC's response to some degree of Canadian public request for live Super Bowl commercials... hey, fill yer boots! I will simply continue to highlight and reinforce you are derailing this thread from its futurist theme. Surely given the importance Canada/Canadians have to you, surely you can help to speak to real futurism for the Canadian dissemination of multi-media options/sources - surely!

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[bush_cheney2004]

Simsub is a fascinating Canadian idea....Canadian subscribers who purchase cable services for U.S. network content cannot escape it unless using an OTA antenna or streaming service.

Canadians have expressed "irritation" over simultaneous substitution (simsub) during broadcasts of American content for years because the policy is so clumsily executed that programming is sometimes cut off. The CRTC has masterfully made an exception for the Super Bowl™ by declaring the American advertising content as part of the program...brilliant !!

Simsub has long been a feature of the Canadian television landscape because it depends so much on purchased rights to foreign content, and it will indeed be part of the future for Canadian TV as promised by the CRTC.

The CRTC provides bulletins and policy positions resulting from hearings. Simsub errors are supposed to be reported !

7. If a viewer believes that he or she has not received the appropriate level of service because of a simultaneous substitution error, the viewer should file a complaint with the Commission with the following information:
   • the date and time of the program;
   • the title or description of the program;
   • the channel number and name of the programming service;
   • the name of the BDU; and
   • how the apparent error affected their ability to the watch program.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2015/2015-329.htm

Edited July 9, 2016 by bush_cheney2004

[waldo]

Simsub has long been a feature of the Canadian television landscape because it depends so much on purchased rights to foreign content, and it will indeed be part of the future for Canadian TV as promised by the CRTC.

are you done now? Are you done derailing this thread from its futurist theme? As for foreign content, I personally sure likee some of that British flavoured mystery/drama/documentaries - and you?

don't worry about those occasional "errors" when simultaneous substitution isn't done properly. You see, if you actually acknowledged content in my replies to your continued derailing you would recognize the CRTC, is addressing improper "simsub" through... regulation!

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[bush_cheney2004]

Looks like Bell Media wants simsub gone, as well as free American "4+1" networks.

...Since 1971, the CRTC has compensated with “simultaneous substitution,” more often called “simsub.” It allows Canadian broadcasters to swap in their own signals and advertising on American channels airing the same show at the same time – thus giving the Canadian broadcaster a way to maximize revenue from the rights it paid for.

Yet Mr. Crull calls simsub an “inelegant and insufficient solution.” It leaves Canadian broadcasters beholden to American networks’ schedules when deciding what time the most popular shows will air. And it draws complaints over errors that put the programs out of sync, or from viewers who want to see expensively-produced U.S. ads.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/take-us-networks-off-canadian-airwaves-bell-media-urges/article23343364/

I could be wrong about this, but it looks like some Canadian viewers would even prefer the American ads, because they have a higher production level compared to say...oh...Canadian Tire.

[waldo]

per the threads intent: recent commentary from Dr. Michael Geist in regards the FUTURE of set-top boxes, vis-a-vis a recent Federal Court ruling that issued an injunction banning several companies from distributing any set-top boxes with pre-loaded software:

Set-top box crackdown will chill Canada's tech innovation: A recent federal court ruling targets a disruptive technology that everyone agrees has both legitimate and infringing uses.

Since recent data indicates that cord cutting is still a small part of the Canadian market and the competition from authorized services such as Netflix is widely viewed as a far greater competitive threat, the ruling is difficult to square with marketplace realities.

The set-top box distribution companies have unsurprisingly appealed the ruling on those grounds, but the bigger issue revolves around the court’s willingness to block technologies with substantial non-infringing uses.

Indeed, the court acknowledges that the set-top boxes “display numerous legal applications and generally have the effect of turning a standard television into a ‘smart TV.’”

If the decision stands, the case has the potential to create a Canadian chill over new disruptive technologies, leaving courts to decide what can and cannot be preloaded onto computers and other electronic devices.

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[Boges]

Looks like Bell Media wants simsub gone, as well as free American "4+1" networks.

...Since 1971, the CRTC has compensated with “simultaneous substitution,” more often called “simsub.” It allows Canadian broadcasters to swap in their own signals and advertising on American channels airing the same show at the same time – thus giving the Canadian broadcaster a way to maximize revenue from the rights it paid for.

Yet Mr. Crull calls simsub an “inelegant and insufficient solution.” It leaves Canadian broadcasters beholden to American networks’ schedules when deciding what time the most popular shows will air. And it draws complaints over errors that put the programs out of sync, or from viewers who want to see expensively-produced U.S. ads.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/take-us-networks-off-canadian-airwaves-bell-media-urges/article23343364/

I could be wrong about this, but it looks like some Canadian viewers would even prefer the American ads, because they have a higher production level compared to say...oh...Canadian Tire.

Yeah because seeing a Chic-fil-A ad makes me want to cross the border immediately.

Only the major networks SimSub and that's only if the rights of what's being broadcast have been purchased by a Canadian Network.

You still get plenty of US ads watching speciality channels or US Sports that aren't being shown on a Canadian Network. So your premise is dumb.

The only time it becomes and issue is during the Super Bowl.

Edited July 11, 2016 by Boges

[bush_cheney2004]

You still get plenty of US ads watching speciality channels or US Sports that aren't being shown on a Canadian Network. So your premise is dumb.

The only time it becomes and issue is during the Super Bowl.

It's not my premise....simsub is an "inelegant solution" as described by other Canadians. There are even procedures to notify the CRTC when it is not done well. And it affects other shows like the Academy Awards and other annual specials.

"...and God said that Canadian networks may request simsubs for purchased programming rights....except for the...Super Bowl." (Because Canadians bitched too much.)

[Boges]

It's not my premise....simsub is an "inelegant solution" as described by other Canadians. There are even procedures to notify the CRTC when it is not done well. And it affects other shows like the Academy Awards and other annual specials.

"...and God said that Canadian networks may request simsubs for purchased programming rights....except for the...Super Bowl." (Because Canadians bitched too much.)

Yes but only the Super Bowl has advertising that people actually WANT to watch.

[bush_cheney2004]

Yes but only the Super Bowl has advertising that people actually WANT to watch.

So voila...the American "cultural event" known as the Super Bowl™ has advertising that is so good, it is now considered to be part of the programming. CRTC policies and procedures will now have an official exception for the Super Bowl™, because it matters so much ?

I think ESPN carries the Grey Cup each year, but it is not such a big deal for advertising.

[Boges]

So voila...the American "cultural event" known as the Super Bowl™ has advertising that is so good, it is now considered to be part of the programming. CRTC policies and procedures will now have an official exception for the Super Bowl™, because it matters so much ?

I think ESPN carries the Grey Cup each year, but it is not such a big deal for advertising.

Yes! American culture is very relevant to the nation directly north of it with a tenth of the population. I think your sole purpose on this board is to remind us of that fact.

Americans will watch football even if it's a weird version were you can score points by missing field goals.

[bush_cheney2004]

Yes! American culture is very relevant to the nation directly north of it with a tenth of the population. I think your sole purpose on this board is to remind us of that fact.

So without simsub, why would a Bell or Rogers buy the rights to the Super Bowl™ ? What's in it for them ? Bragging rights on other programs ?

While very entertaining, my main reason for pursuing this issue it to reconcile the seemingly contradictory CRTC role in "protecting and facilitating" Canadian content/values while also directly encouraging carriage of foreign (American) programming and networks, including one set of "4+1" for each N.A. time zone !

The best I have been able to figure out is that the future of Canadian TV as proscribed by the CRTC will be much like the past: leverage U.S. and other foreign programming content and networks to generate subsidies for domestic production/content, regardless of quality level. New media distribution methods are challenging this old model.

Edited July 11, 2016 by bush_cheney2004

[waldo]

While very entertaining, my main reason for pursuing this issue it to reconcile the seemingly contradictory CRTC role in "protecting and facilitating" Canadian content/values while also directly encouraging carriage of foreign (American) programming and networks, including one set of "4+1" for each N.A. time zone !

The best I have been able to figure out is that the future of Canadian TV as proscribed by the CRTC will be much like the past: leverage U.S. and other foreign programming content and networks to generate subsidies for domestic production/content, regardless of quality level. New media distribution methods are challenging this old model.

BS! Your agenda driven "reason" is quite clear - you scour the interweeb for anything that suggests Canadians are viewing an American program/broadcast... and when you find it you scurry back here with your snarc-like commentary. Of course you always have your ready go-to sources, like... Numeris ratings! Nothing is sweeter than reading you so flummoxed in some thread to the point your only recourse to to reach for one of your ready go-to sources in some type of retaliatory act that appears to allow you to manage your frustrations.

of course the obvious begging question is just why does Canada, just why do Canadians (and their media viewing practices) so enthrall you... so captivate your attention! Just why is Canada, just why are Canadians so important to you?

now, for as much time/attention you give to posturing as an expert on Canada's regulatory oversight, on Canada's CRTC, it always continues to boggle me that you truly haven't a grasp of the fundamentals. Well... it's either that or you feign ignorance to allow you a tailoring approach to better suit your agenda! This quoted post of yours is classic and showcases how little you truly understand and recognize about the existing regulatory framework. Quite obviously you shouldn't need to be schooled in the fact that it is less expensive for Canadian broadcasters to acquire American programming than to produce Canadian programming; that is to say, the purchased American programming has already covered its costs in the American domestic market. Equally, market share/drive shows that, typically, American programming can be more profitable in terms of cost recovery ala advertising given, again, cost covering aspects. It is the CRTC regulatory intervention that helps to shape a balance and prevent the market force driven Canadian private broadcasters from purchasing even greater levels of "cheap" American programming. You regularly drop links to Numeris ratings and start chirping about how Canadians are just so enthralled by American programming - all part of your simplistic agenda and want to continue to stroke your personal sensitivities and suspect confidence levels in your own-self/country.

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[Boges]

So without simsub, why would a Bell or Rogers buy the rights to the Super Bowl™ ? What's in it for them ? Bragging rights on other programs ?

They wouldn't. Would ESPN buy the Grey Cup if they had to use TSN's advertising? I suspect people would just watch the American Network broadcasting it.

There are Canadian made reality programming that's purchased and broadcast in the US too. I'm assuming without Canadian advertising.

Canadians don't really think about this 4+1 model unless you're looking at the cord-cutters that wants the basic package. That's a small segment of the market.

Edited July 11, 2016 by Boges

[waldo]

other than feeding the continued derail... why bother with discussing the 'here and now' simsub? What does this add to a thread discussion on the future broadcasting/new media?

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[waldo]

"Canada's cultural and creative industries are important drivers of innovation and a vibrant part of our economy. The intersection of culture and technology holds tremendous potential for our country's growth and prosperity.

As we adjust to the realities of rapid technological advances and changing consumer behaviour, I launched consultations to better understand the challenges and opportunities brought on by this transformation.

These consultations will provide an opportunity to listen and learn from Canadians and examine the federal government's current cultural policy toolkit.

This project is driven by our belief that the time is ripe to review the role of the federal government in helping Canada's creative sector navigate this transformation and chart a course to ensure that we are poised to position ourselves as global leaders.

The pre-consultation phase having ended, we are now analyzing your comments and suggestions. Your feedback will help guide the rest of our consultations and I thank you for your participation, interest and enthusiasm."

with the help of an Expert Advisory Group, Minister Joly will lead public, stakeholder and online consultations beginning summer 2016 on strengthening Canadian content creation, discovery and export in a digital world.

the consultations will encompass information and entertainment content as presented in television, radio, film, digital media and platforms, video games, music, books, newspapers and magazines... with an objective to begin identifying the tools and policy levers that will guide the work of Canadian Heritage over the course of the government’s mandate to foster a leading, resilient and innovative cultural sector that meets the needs of Canadians and Canadian creators.

current policy framework/toolkit:

expert advisory group named: