In light of our comments, we make the following recommendations for this committee's consideration.
First, as we proposed in our submission to the CRTC, there must be a redirection of existing funds in the system to specifically support local news.
Second, given that local television does not receive a subscriber fee like speciality services do, some of the anticipated $5 billion in revenue from the 600 megahertz auction should be used to cover at least the cost of relocating transmitters.
Finally, the wide-ranging impact of the CRTC's decision on the Super Bowl must be reviewed.
In closing, local television and, specifically, local news remain important priorities for the Canadian broadcasting system for Canadians and for Bell. We look forward to this committee's report as to how the situation faced by local stations can be improved.
Thank you for the opportunity to share our views. We'll be happy to answer any question you may have.