CRTC to arbitrate Rogers dispute over Family Channel

In a Sept. 6 letter, the CRTC has accepted a request from Rogers Communications Inc. for final offer arbitration (FOA) with WildBrain Ltd. over carriage of the Family Channel and its subsidiary Family Jr. In a redacted letter to both parties, the commission said it had received an application from Rogers on July 21 to set the linear wholesale rate for Family on the telecom’s broadcast distribution undertaking (BDU). The linear rate will include multiplatform rights (MPR) for the channel. Rogers maintained the regulator had jurisdiction since the dispute is bilateral, concerns monetary issues only and the parties have been unable to resolve it on their own. WildBrain, which was previously known as DHX Media Ltd., agreed to the FOA on July 29. It also proposed limiting the terms of the settlement to Rogers’ existing systems, unless WildBrain agrees to terms to new systems and companies bought by Rogers. The battle is reminiscent of a fight WildBrain had with Cogeco Communications Inc. last year over carriage of the Family Channel. That application was ultimately suspended and the parties went to mediation. In this dispute, Rogers rejected WildBrain’s assertion that Family Jr. should be included in the proceedings. Such a move would make the process more complex, the telecom argued. WildBrain responded that treating Family and Family Jr. as a whole is reflected in its combined licence and in the financial reporting for the two services. The commission sided with Rogers and will not consider other matters relating to the distribution of Family. These should be subject to further negotiation between the two companies, with CRTC assistance if necessary. “The commission will examine the final offers submitted by the parties and will select one for each service (Family and Family Jr.) in its entirety,” the letter stated. “The commission’s decision will be binding on the parties.” Both firms must submit their final offers by Sept. 23. Rogers has nine questions it must respond to; WildBrain has six. By Sept. 30 the regulator will forward copies of the offers to the other party. The companies then have five days to submit comments on the final offer without making amendments.

CRTC to arbitrate Rogers dispute over Family Channel

Brief | September 8, 2022

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CRTC to arbitrate Rogers dispute over Family Channel

Brief | September 8, 2022

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