Canada's television broadcasters welcome Government of Canada's commitment to
consumers and new negotiation for value regime

TORONTO , Sept. 17 /CNW/ - Canada's television broadcasters today welcomed the Government of Canada's release in support of consumer interests.

"We are in agreement that consumer interests should be front and center when it comes to implementing a new negotiation for value model for local television across the country," said Charlotte Bell , Global's Senior Vice-President of Regulatory and Government Affairs. "Going forward, we welcome a clear process and swift decision."

"Having the government fully engaged is a positive step forward," said Paul Sparkes , CTV's Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs. "Consumers no longer benefit from the broken broadcasting model, and we welcome the government's support in implementing a solution that recognizes the value of local TV for consumers."

Local TV matters and Canada's broadcasters continue to reinforce their position that consumers should not pay more for basic services, including local television.

"We have and continue to hear from Canadians across the country about the importance and value of local television," said Steven Guiton, CBC's Chief Regulatory Officer. "This includes the more than tens of thousands of employees, journalists, reporters and producers that our collective organizations employ who like other Canadian consumers, believe that local television does matter."

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, and CBC, 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: Local TV Matters, Name: Bonnie Brownlee, CTV 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]