V Joins the Local TV Matters Campaign

MONTREAL , Oct. 19 /CNW/ - V has announced it will take an active part in the Local TV Matters campaign and add its voice to those of television networks CTV, 'A', CBC and Global TV, and all their viewers.

The Quebec French-language television market is unique. V has managed to carve a share of that market by creating a brand new enterprise offering quality programming centred on entertainment for a well-targeted general audience. V operates in a market that has clearly shown its limits in advertising revenue. "Since V was launched, the support of our viewers from all regions has enabled us to grab a firm hold of our place as the third general-interest television network in Quebec . On the other hand, the problem of financing and access to different sources of income remains critical and unresolved. It is time to stop burying our head in the sand and recognize that the audience share represented by general-interest broadcasters in the viewers' choice should be reflected by a part of subscription fees paid to cable or satellite distribution companies. Without a new, fairer sharing of this income, general-interest television will be greatly weakened at the expense of those who appreciate its quality and diversity," said Maxime Rémillard, V Co-President.

The Local TV Matters campaign is unprecedented and rallies most of Canada's local TV stations. One of the campaign's concerns is that cable and satellite providers continue to charge viewers for services supplied by broadcasters and profit from them while paying nothing to local television stations. The campaign members believe local stations deserve to be treated fairly and want to ensure that viewers can continue to benefit from local television programming now and in the years to come. They therefore stand up for local television and the right to a fair compensation according to its value. The interactive campaign includes an official Web site - www.LocalTVMatters.ca - and national advertising intended to inform Canadians on the need to make them heard and take action on matters regarding local television.

Viewers are encouraged to take part in the coming public consultations on fair billing practices demanded by consumers from cable and satellite providers. Visit www.LocalTVMatters.ca to learn more.

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, CHEK News and V, with thousands of supporters located across the country. The campaign encourages all Canadians to share their voice and support local television.

For further information: Name: Yanick Lecours, V, Director of Communications, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; 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]