CRTC rules for OutTV in Shaw Cable complaint
By Adnews Staff
The CRTC has ruled in favour of specialty television channel OutTV in its complaint against Shaw Cable regarding its marketing practices. According to the decision, Shaw has subjected OutTV to an "undue disadvantage" in its marketing practices, resulting in the channel's penetration rate to be lower on Shaw systems than on other carriers. According to OutTV, its penetration rate with Shaw was less than half a percent, compared with seven to 18% on other carriers such as Telus, Bell ExpressVu, Cogeco, Rogers and Star Choice. "We are very pleased the thoughtful decision of the CRTC on this matter", said chief operating officer Brad Danks, "The decision demonstrates how clearly the CRTC understands the impact of a carrier's marketing and packaging on the economic health of a programming service. Hopefully our friends at Shaw will work with us to create an appropriate marketing situation for OUTtv."