Shaw Media and Rogers Communications have signed a long-term deal for the continued distribution of all Shaw Media services on Canada’s largest cable TV system.
The services include channels like History Television, HGTV Canada, Showcase, as well as on-demand rights to Global TV content. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
With this deal, Rogers cable customers will continue to have access to Shaw’s lifestyle and drama programming through the Rogers Digital VIP package and RogersOnDemand.com
“It is extremely gratifying to renew our long-standing relationship with Rogers and secure their continued support of our leading specialty television brands,” Paul Robertson, president of Shaw Media, said in a news release.
Rogers and Shaw are multimedia giants, both operating big cable TV businesses as well as broadcasting divisions. Shaw bought the former CanWest Global TV operations last year, making the Calgary company one of Canada’s biggest private broadcasters.
“This deal is a positive sign that industry players can find middle ground and come to an agreement,” he said.
“Customers win when cable and media companies work together to make content available and affordable on multiple screens,” said David Purdy, vice-president of video products at Rogers.
This deal will ensure that Shaw’s specialty programming will be available on-demand, online, on mobile devices and on traditional TV.
The CRTC has blocked media companies from offering television programs exclusively to their mobile or internet subscribers in new rules for cable and telecom operators that also own TV networks, meaning companies with media assets must negotiate.
Quebecor and Bell recently resolved a fee dispute that resulted in Quebecor’s withdrawal of its Sun News television channel from Bell Canada’s satellite TV system last spring.
Quebecor’s TVA Group has said its four specialty channels – including Sun News and TVA Sports – will be available to Bell subscribers by Dec. 15.
Terms of the deal with BCE Inc.’s Bell Canada (TSX:BCE) were not disclosed.
