OTTAWA - Appearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, CTV called for swift federal action to address the crisis in local Canadian television.

"We are not asking for bail-outs or short term fixes however well intentioned they may be," said Mr. Ivan Fecan, President and CEO, CTVglobemedia, and CEO, CTV. "What interests us is a plan to build a sustainable future for conventional television in Canada."

In its presentation to parliamentarians, CTV outlined a three point reform plan to provide a viable new framework for local television, including:

1. The immediate implementation of fee for carriage. "Fee-for-carriage does not need to impact the consumer nor will it invoke undue harm to the cable and satellite industry," said Mr. Fecan. "This is an industry-to-industry matter".

2. Satellite carriage for local TV stations. "We simply would like the CRTC to uphold Parliament's clear statement in the Broadcasting Act that calls for priority carriage of local television stations."

3. A hybrid digital transition strategy. "We cannot justify an investment of several hundred million dollars to reach 9% of the marketplace, particularly when this investment produces no additional revenue in a business that is already teetering on the edge."

"Local is worth fighting for. If we cut those roots, we will lose something invaluable as a nation," concluded Mr. Fecan. "We are passionate about television. Our belief is demonstrated not merely by rhetoric, but by a consistent body of work comprised of top rated Canadian programming, that is unmatched by any other broadcaster in English Canada."