The CRTC has issued a call for comments on proposed amendments to the Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987 and the Discretionary Services Regulations that would update the definition of the term “Canadian program” in reference to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2023-90, in which the commission amended the treatment of stock footage costs. Those costs were moved from the “Services” category to the “Other costs” category when calculating the cost breakdown of a production. Interventions are being accepted until Aug. 21.
The CRTC says its latest decision, setting the rates that Quebecor will pay Rogers Communications when offering services using Rogers’ wireless network, will help deliver more affordable cellphone plans to Canadians. In May, the commission set the rules for MVNO access and gave companies until Aug. 7 to negotiate agreements. Quebecor and Rogers asked the CRTC to initiate arbitration, leading the commission to choose Quebecor’s proposed rate, which remains confidential. The commission says now that the rate has been set, Quebecor (via Videotron, Freedom Mobile, and Fizz) is expected to offer cellphone services in more areas across Canada.
Rogers Communications has announced unaudited financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30. Total revenue and total service revenue increased by 30% and 32%, respectively, driven substantially by revenue growth in Rogers’ Cable and Wireless businesses. Wireless service revenue increased by 7%, primarily due to growth in the company’s mobile phone subscriber base and revenue from Shaw Mobile subscribers acquired through the Shaw transaction. Cable service revenue increased by 93% in the quarter as a result of the Shaw acquisition. Media revenue increased by 4% as a result of higher sports-related revenue, primarily at the Toronto Blue Jays. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased 38% in the quarter and adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 220 basis points, primarily due to improving synergies and efficiencies. Media adjusted EBITDA increased by $2 million.
The Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) is celebrating its 45th Anniversary with a call for submissions for this year’s annual CEMA Awards for Journalistic Excellence in the categories of Print, Radio, Television, Internet, Podcast – News, Podcast – Feature, Documentary, Innovation, Online Articles and Community Engagement. CEMA will announce the winners before a live audience on Saturday, Nov. 25. The deadline for entries is Sept. 10.
