OTTAWA — The Federal Court of Appeal has cleared the way for broadcasters to charge cable and satellite providers for carrying their programs.
The CRTC had asked the court to rule on whether it had the right to establish a regime whereby broadcasters could attach a value to their signals.
In a 2-1 ruling released today, the court said Yes.
Cable and satellite companies carry network TV programming without paying for it.
Now, private broadcasters can negotiate with cable and satellite companies such as Rogers to determine rates.
The cable and satellite companies have warned that the extra costs will be passed on to consumers.
The broadcasters had warned that without the extra funds, they would have to shut down more local stations.