The Forum submitted its intervention concerning Rogers’ application to acquire Shaw’s broadcasting services on 13 September 2021. Briefly, the Forum opposes approval of this application due to the likely negative effects it will have on BDU subscribers and Canada’s independent discretionary programming services.
Should the CRTC nevertheless approve Rogers’ application, the Forum asks that it examine carefully the level of ‘tangible’ benefits Rogers has proposed – most of which appear focused on telecommunications rather than broadcasting. The CRTC should also address Rogers’ statement that it will transfer the funding now provided from Shaw’s cable subscribers for Corus’ television stations, to Rogers’ own television stations, and the absence of any commitments to employment opportunities.