Canadian TV viewers to get more flexibility to pick which channels they want

TORONTO – Canadian viewers frustrated with paying for television channels they don’t want can expect more flexible packages in light of a new ruling by broadcast regulators.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has ruled in favour of proposals made by Bell Media and Telus Corp. to adopt a more flexible TV package model.

Denis Carmel, a spokesperson for the CRTC, says while individual channels may cost more under the new model, consumers’ bills may go down because they will be paying for fewer channels.

The CRTC could not provide details about the terms of the agreement, which is confidential.

The ruling reflects a marketplace that is moving towards more flexible packaging, where consumers only have to pay for what they want, said Carmel.

Kevin Crull, president of Bell Media, called the decision a victory for consumers.