OTTAWA, March 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Media's planned purchase of Astral demands that the CRTC become a more vigilant watchdog on the media giant's behaviour in programming and employment, says Canada's largest media union.
"This increased consolidation of ownership in Canada's media is worrisome. It gives Bell enormous weight not only in broadcasting sports and entertainment, but a frightening amount of political weight in the broadcasting of news and information. They are already diminishing opportunities for young people looking to enter the media industry and we fear that this consolidation may bring even fewer," says Peter Murdoch, Vice President Media of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP). The union represents workers at Bell Media's CTV stations and specialty channels.
"It is easy to understand the desire of Bell to become more competitive in the Quebec market, but what the CRTC must ensure is that the entry does not come at the cost of Canadian programming or employment. That would be contrary to the goals set out by Parliament as expressed in the Broadcast Act," said Murdoch.
Peter Murdoch, 905 516-5720
Share this article