The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has approved the acquisition by Rogers Communications of broadcasting services from Shaw, subject to certain conditions and modifications.
In particular, the CRTC requires Rogers to contribute $27.2 million to various initiatives and funds, an amount five times higher than that which the company had initially proposed. Rogers will also be held accountable each year for its commitments to increase support for local news, including employing more journalists at its Citytv stations and producing 48 news specials each year that reflect local communities. .
The CRTC will also require Rogers to distribute at least 45 English- and French-language independent services on each of its cable and satellite services, to ensure that independent programming services do not find themselves at a disadvantage in their negotiations. with Rogers.
The Shaw home phone, wireless and Internet services that Rogers plans to acquire are not subject to CRTC approval, but this part of the transaction between the two telecommunications groups is under review by the Competition Bureau and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology indicated earlier this month that Rogers’ $26 billion bid for Shaw is not expected to go ahead, but that in otherwise, the government would impose conditions on the agreement.
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