Public hearing announced for Shaw’s acqusition of Canwest

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has
announced that a public hearing will be held on September 20 to consider
Shaw Communication’s proposed acquisition of Canwest. The CRTC will accept public comments and input through August.

Shaw considers the hearing “the last step” in the acquisition of the broadcast assets of Canwest.

Broadcaster Magazine reports:

“”Shaw’s acquisition is tremendously positive for Canwest, and its employees, viewers and the Canadian broadcasting system,” said Jim Shaw, CEO and Vice-Chair of Shaw. “Canwest is an important voice that has for decades played a central role in Canadian broadcasting. We are excited about the opportunity to assume control of Canwest.”

“The CRTC may have other matters in mind, as in its announcement of the hearings, it states that, in regards to Shaw Cablesystems current licences, “It appears to the Commission that the licensee, during the current licence term, may have failed to comply with sections 29 and 29.2 of the Regulations concerning monthly payments to the Canada Media Fund  for the period September 2009 to February 2010. The Commission notes that the licensee has now made the necessary monthly payments. The Commission intends to inquire into this matter at the hearing.”