Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I appreciate the testimony so far from the witnesses, and I look forward to hearing more from you today.
In Canada today we see a considerable problem with revenue streams that many of the broadcasters had counted on in the past. There are many reasons for that; however, local broadcasting and news coverage is a significant cost to many broadcasters. It is somewhat expected by local communities, but at the end of the day it is quite an expense to many of the broadcasters.
In Manitoba we have an extensive local network of reporters who put in a lot of time covering all the local stories, yet in terms of the bottom line for these important companies, they don't see a lot of revenue from that. Of course they are now looking for ways to improve their revenue streams.
Over the years we have seen--whether it's the fault of the CRTC or not--barriers put in front of the major broadcasters, the traditional broadcasters, to be able to expand revenue streams. You mentioned how the specialty channels were not necessarily seen to be major revenue drivers when they were first brought about. I'd probably disagree with you on that. The traditional broadcasters did see a lot of potential in those opportunities but were somewhat prevented from being able to take part in a meaningful way. As such they don't have a large presence in that, as you well know.
As to time shifting, it's a similar situation. The local broadcast is typically not watched as often anymore because time shifting exists. Consumers locally will watch a broadcast from B.C., whereas in Manitoba they don't see the local ads because they're watching the B.C. broadcast. So I think it's important that the broadcasters be allowed to negotiate in a good business way and that you not get in their way in negotiating with the cable companies.
My main point is that your body has significant influence over the way these broadcasters can operate. It is within your power to be able to extend new revenue streams to them. We've talked a lot about a fee for carriage today.
I want to first ask you a few questions. Wasn't it in 1971 that the CRTC actually authorized your body to extend a fee-for-carriage revenue stream to broadcasters?