CRTC New Regulatory Framework Communications Update

In a major decision released on October 30, 2008 (the "Decision"), the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (the "CRTC" or "Commission") announced its revised regulatory frameworks for broadcasting distribution undertakings ("BDUs") and discretionary programming services. The Commission also announced some significant changes to the regulatory framework for over-the-air ("OTA") television broadcasters. The key elements of the Commission's Decision are summarized below.

Unless otherwise noted, the new policies are applicable to digital services and will take effect on 31 August 2011, to be consistent with the date OTA television in Canada must switch from analog to digital transmission.