CRTC releases broadcast distribution industry report
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has released its latest statistical and financial report on the Canadian broadcast distribution industry. According to the report, total revenues for the cable industry remained steady in 2005 at $4.575 billion, up from $4.555 billion in 2004. Profits before interest and taxes declined to $926.2 million from $1.1 billion over the same period, largely due to increased expenses. The number of basic cable subscribers decreased by 0.4% between 2004 and 2005 to 6.61 million. Direct-to-home and multipoint distribution system broadcast companies saw an increase in subscribers of 7.3% from 2004 to 2005, to a total of 2.48 million. Total revenues for these services rose 8.1% from $1.4 billion in 2004 to $1.5 billion in 2005. Profits before interest and taxes totaled $44.9 million in 2005, compared with losses in previous years. In 2005, broadcast distribution companies spent $247.3 million on the production of Canadian programming.