Broadcasters Have Significant Concerns with Dunbar/Leblanc Report



	for immediate release Broadcasters Have Significant Concerns with Dunbar/Leblanc Report Ottawa, September 12, 2007 – The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) has significant concerns with the report by Laurence Dunbar and Christian Leblanc on broadcasting policies and regulations, released today by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). “Canada’s private broadcasters have grave concerns with this report,” said CAB President & CEO, Glenn O’Farrell. “We believe that the report’s far-reaching recommendations, if not properly applied, could fundamentally undermine the foundation of the Canadian broadcasting industry.” “While we empathize with the authors, who were given a broad mandate and a short timeframe to produce this report, we do not believe that the report has displayed a necessary depth of analysis, nor an appropriate rationale or context for some of the sweeping recommendations contained within,” said O’Farrell. “The CAB appreciates the value of launching a dialogue on broadcast regulations, but on a preliminary review, this report launches the discussion on the wrong trigger points.” The report’s recommendations regarding simultaneous substitution of programming for over-the-air broadcasters in particular raise concerns. “Simultaneous substitution is a mechanism of fundamental importance to ensure that broadcasters are able to preserve their territorial programming rights,” O’Farrell continued. “To remove this mechanism would effectively expropriate rights holders. It is irresponsible to suggest such a recommendation without any rationale demonstrating an understanding of the economic underpinnings of the industry.” The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) is the national voice of Canada’s private broadcasters, representing the vast majority of Canadian programming services, including private radio and television stations, networks, specialty, pay and pay-per-view services. The goal of the CAB is to represent and advance the interests of Canada’s private broadcasters in the social, cultural and economic fabric of the country. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Susan Tolusso Director, Communications (613) 233-4035 ext. 331 (stolusso@cab-acr.ca)