American broadcasters could pull out of Canada entirely if pick-and-pay system doesn’t pan out. The curtain is set to inexorably rise on “skinny basic” and à la carte TV viewing in Canada, despite forecasts that niche specialty channels bundled in large cable packages could be orphaned in a pick-and-pay world.
As of March 1, all domestic satellite and cable TV providers must offer a basic $25 cable package and either a pick-and-pay system or small bundles. By December, consumers will be able to pick individual channels or small theme packs on top of the skinny bundle.
The basic package will give preeminence to local and regional news programming and must include local stations and provincial educational channels.
Michael Lewis -Toronto Star – Jan 8, 2016.