It has been leaked today that the CRTC will require cable companies to let subscribers “pick and pay” their choice of TV channels. A basic set of channels would be mandatory for $25. The idea for pick and pay is that a customer can then select only the few or several others that he wants and somehow save money. It has been argued there is no such bargain to be had. That remains to be seen. But now the CRTC is asking just who leaked this news. It was supposed to be confidential until the markets closed. Now the story is out two or three hours early. We don’t know the snitch but any schoolboy would tell the Ottawa mandarins to check with the boardrooms of the big cable operations. They are the only ones who are told about it and it seems clear that some sneak with a media connection (CTV in this case) whispered something he should not have. The drama. CBC
