OTTAWA – While Shaw Cable might say that American cable channel USA Network doesn’t compete with existing Canadian services, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters begs to differ.
In February, Shaw submitted an application asking that the popular general interest channel – which is seen in 90 million American homes and is anchored by shows like Monk, The 4400, pro wrestling, a couple of Law & Orders, reruns like Walker Texas Ranger, Coach and JAG and feature films – be added to the eligible satellite list for digital distribution.
The rights to all those shows – and several others, not to mention USA Network’s prime time feature films – are already owned by Canadian broadcasters, the CAB pointed out in its Wednesday submission to the CRTC asking the Commission to dismiss Shaw’s request.
"In fact, the only new programming that would be added to the Canadian system would be the 8% of USA Network’s schedule that is comprised of paid programming and infomercials," says the CAB letter, which pointed out the "significant direct overlap" between USA and other Canadian channels.
The broadcasters’ association also worried that USA told the CRTC it would clear all necessary Canadian programming rights. "That statement implies that Canadian broadcasters may not be able to renew the Canadian rights to some of the non-Canadian programming currently being duplicated on USA Network," says the CAB submission.
And if programming blackouts are required? "Who will enforce those blackouts?" ponders the CAB.
The association also noted that of Canadian television distributors, Shaw carries the fewest Canadian digital specialties, inferring if it has room for USA, it should have room for more Canuck channels.
