Canada's Television Broadcasters Encourage Canadians to Stay informed,
Condemning Misinformation Released by Cable and Satellite Companies

TORONTO , Oct. 5 /CNW/ - Canada's television broadcasters respond to a campaign of misleading information released today by cable and satellite companies, and encourage Canadians to stand up against the cable and satellite providers' threats to once again hike basic cable fees and pass costs along to consumers.

"As we approach the upcoming consumer hearings, Canadians should be able to rely on accurate information to get informed and take action," said Paul Sparkes , Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, CTVglobemedia. "It is unfortunate the cable and satellite providers have resorted to scare tactics and misleading information."

"Consumers already pay for local TV," said Steve Guiton, CBC's Chief Regulatory Officer. "Cable and satellite companies have chosen to intimidate consumers with increases on basic cable rates and threats of more fee hikes. This is not fair to the Canadian consumer."

"Our ask is clear," says John Pollard , CEO of CHEK Media Group. "Cable and satellite providers take our signals for free and charge Canadians for them, making billions in profits. We believe it's time for fairness. It's time for consumers to stand up and say 'no' to new cable and satellite fees."

"The current campaign of misinformation only confirms the need to protect consumers from cable and satellite companies by regulating the cost of basic services," said Charlotte Bell , Global's Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs.

At a time when local Canadian television stations are closing down and Canadian networks are losing money, Canada's cable and satellite companies, who continue to make record profits, are paying over $300 million a year to US cable channels.

Canadian consumers are encouraged to be heard and stand up against price gauging by cable and satellite companies. Consumers demand local TV, and local choice, and Canada's broadcasters want to continue to deliver it to Canadians across the country. Visit localtvmatters.ca to get informed, take action and make a difference.

About Local TV Matters:

Local TV Matters is a campaign launched by local Canadian television broadcasters with a focus on the protection and preservation of local television for viewers across Canada . Local TV Matters' members include CTV, /A\, Global, CBC, and CHEK NEWS, with thousands of supporters located across the country. The campaign encourages all Canadians to share their voice and support local television by joining the conversation at www.localtvmatters.ca.

For further information: Name: Bonnie Brownlee, CTVglobemedia Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Name: John Douglas, Canwest Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Name: Jeff Keay, Head of Media Relations, CBC, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Name: John Pollard, CEO of CHEK Media Group, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]