CRTC approves Rogers’ takeover of Shaw broadcasting, but with costly conditions

Rogers Communications Inc.’s acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc.’s broadcasting services, but will force the company to meet a series of conditions it laid out Thursday.The approval from the broadcasting regulator is the latest of several hurdles Rogers must clear as it tries to close the $26-billion deal it signed in March 2021 that will see it acquire 16 cable services based in Western Canada, a national satellite television service and other broadcast and television services.“The commission is of the view that the application, subject to the modifications … is the best possible proposal given the circumstances and that this transaction would not diminish the diversity of voices in Canada,” the report reads.

Rogers tells CRTC Shaw deal will boost competition, makes no promises on prices It also says the CRTC found that the competitive landscape would not be unduly affected and that the transaction would be in the public interest.The CRTC, which was only tasked with assessing broadcasting elements of the transaction, said it made stipulations part of its approval because it wants to ensure that the sale will benefit Canadians and the country’s broadcasting system.In separate statements Thursday evening Rogers and Shaw welcomed the CRTC approval.“This approval is an important milestone and brings us one step closer to completing our transformational transaction with Shaw,” said Tony Staffieri, Rogers’ president and chief executive, in a statement.“Together, Rogers and Shaw will accelerate investment in 5G and cable networks across Canada, offer consumers and businesses more choice and competition, and connect rural and remote communities faster than either company could alone,” Staffieri said.Commenting on the.