BROADCAST The Best Broadcast Briefing in Canada Not for Distribution Beyond Your Reception Point Copyright (2004) by Christensen Communications Ltd. - RR #1, Site #1, Box 150 - Brechin ON L0K 1B0 Phone: (705) 484-0752 * E-Mail:
[email protected] * Web site: www.broadcastdialogue.com Thursday, February 5, 2004 Volume 11, Number 34 Page One of Three ENERAL: The Canadian Association of Broadcasters, representing Canada's private broadcasters, is suing the CRTC for hundreds of millions of dollars. CAB argues that Part II licence Gfees that broadcasters have been paying amounts to an unconstitutional tax. Further, says CAB, broadcasters have paid $419 million in such fees from 1998 to 2003, about $362 million more than they should have. While the fees are purportedly collected for the government's cost of managing the broadcast spectrum, CAB argues that millions were going straight into federal coffers. And that, says CAB, amounts to a general tax, not a regulatory fee, that the commission has no authority to collect. Not being challenged are Part I fees, which are used to cover the CRTC's direct costs... Tony Burman, Editor in Chief, News and Current Affairs, CBC Radio and CBC Television and Executive Director, CBC TV News, Current Affairs and Newsworld, is the recipient of the 2004 RTNDA Canada President's Award. Burman will receive the award at the RTNDA National Convention in Saskatoon June 12... Bell Globemedia's operating earnings rose 15% in the fourth quarter, reflecting – among other things – reports owner BCE, increased TV ad revenue and strong ratings at CTV. Bell Globemedia’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose to $83-million in the fourth quarter, from previous year's $72-million.