Montreal: The Canadian Association of Broadcasters has asked the crtc to take steps to ensure class 1 broadcast distribution undertakings, including dth satellite distributors, comply with existing simultaneous substitution regulations for u.s. superstations.

In a recent letter to the crtc, Rob Scarth, cab senior vp for tv and online media, says some bdus are balking at implementing substitution practices, claiming the benefits are only marginal while costs would be prohibitive.

Scarth says none of the existing exemptions from substitution requirements applies to u.s. superstations, and therefore the regulations, and the integrity of the system, must be enforced.

According to January 2000 data compiled for the cab by Mediastats, the percentage of Canadian residential cable subscribers who receive u.s. superstations is significant: ktla – 38.9%; wsbk – 39.5%; wgn – 55.6%; and wtbs – 76.2%.

Benefits to Canadian broadcasters derived from simultaneous substitution are in the order of $150 million annually.