News

With Canada's adoption of high-definition television languishing, John Bitove's HDTV Networks Inc. has applied for a licence to launch the country's first over-the-air, high-definition television network.

Mr. Bitove, the Toronto businessman who also heads one of two new satellite radio networks, said his proposed eight-city network could be a catalyst for stepping up the spread of HD broadcasting in Canada. “When you're way behind, your consumers are way behind.”

It is believed to be the first time anyone has applied to launch a network in Canada right out of the box. Canada's other TV networks — public broadcaster CBC and its private-sector rivals CTV and Global — achieved national status piecemeal through acquisition and the gradual creation of new local stations.

But there are two other things that would make Mr. Bitove's operation different from the country's other TV networks: It would be based in Vancouver, and it would provide HDTV service without costing the average TV viewer an extra dime.

Canadians have access to HD television primarily through subscription services offered by cable companies.

Mr. Bitove's network would be available only in Canada's eight largest English-language markets: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. If things go smoothly, CRTC hearings could be held some time in mid-2007 and the network could reach the airwaves as early as late 2008.

Industry officials say Canada is facing a “chicken and egg” conundrum in making the transition to broadcast HDTV. Content producers and broadcasters are reluctant to invest the millions it would take to make the adjustment to high-definition technology, as they have little reason to think they would recoup that money any time soon.