CHUM rival CanWest Global Television Network is charging that the Toronto-based broadcaster is underplaying the impact of its acquisition of Craig Media, saying the added reach will give it the clout to aggressively pursue foreign programming and increase its spending patterns, which in turn will generate higher ratings and revenues. In becoming the third national English-language network, CHUM "will have the opportunity to dramatically alter its foreign acquisition strategy if it so chooses," Global warns the CRTC. Global predicts that over the next two to three years, CHUM could generate the same audiences and therefore the same revenues as the other two national private TV networks, Global and CTV Inc.

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