TV and radio execs from across the country meet next month in Ottawa for the annual convention of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters. Every November – whether it’s signal theft or the Internet – it seems like there’s always a new problem on the minds of broadcasters.

So we ask:

What’s the biggest issue facing broadcasters right now?

Advertisers are looking for a way to slow down the decay rate of the effectiveness of television. Broadcasters should be giving top priority to exploring innovations in commercial enhancements.
Bob Reaume, VP of policy and research, Association of Canadian Advertisers

Broadcasting is about the airwaves, which is all about spectrum… [which] looms large over all issues in the broadcast[er] world. Is there enough space currently available for them to remain competitive? Especially with new technologies, we have to see if the whole allocation process is adequate for the future and if there are the right amount of airwaves and frequency available for all broadcasters.
Lawrence Surtees, VP and analyst, IDC Canada

There is a high cost associated with an HD channel – from production through to program delivery – and it is still unclear as to what this will mean in terms of competitive advantage or return on investment.
Sky Bridges, Director of marketing, APTN

Someone once said: ‘If content is King, then distribution is King Kong.’ I agree…The relationship between programmers and BDUs and the conditions upon which that relationship evolves under a new regulatory regime will be key to ensuring the long-term viability of the Canadian broadcasting system.
Charlotte Bell, VP of regulatory affairs, CanWest MediaWorks