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Last Updated: Tuesday - 01/04/2011

September 10, 2001

Canadian access to EWTN slow to develop

ART BABYCH
CANADIAN CATHOLIC NEWS

OTTAWA — The world's largest Catholic TV network has arrived in Canada through the Rogers digital cable network but it can't be viewed in all areas of the country and requires a digital cable terminal.

The Alabama-based Eternal Word Television Network, founded by Catholic nun, Mother Angelica, was among more than 40 more digital specialty channels available to viewers as of Aug. 31.

In Edmonton, a representative of Shaw Cable earlier told the WCR that it will be four to six months before Canadians can access EWTN through cable.

For a one-week period, new Rogers Digital Cable customers were also offered a free three-month preview of all the new digital specialty channels by subscribing to the service and paying $26.99 for the digital terminal. The cost after Dec. 1 will be $10.99 per month, in addition to the regular cost of cable service.

The company says digital cable provides a clearer, sharper picture with excellent sound quality and that it has channels that can't be viewed on cable.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) added the conservative Catholic network to its list of eligible satellite services for digital distribution July 13 following an eight-year battle with Canadian supporters of the EWTN.

An EWTN spokesperson said that Rogers began talks with officials of the Catholic network immediately after the CRTC added the U.S. broadcaster to its list. Supporters of EWTN have also urged other cable companies across Canada to carry the EWTN signal, which is provided without cost.

The Eternal World Television Network, viewed in 66 million homes in 38 countries and territories, was one of only three foreign services among Rogers' list of new digital specialty channels.

A variety of family, sports, educational and music channels are among the new digital listings, including PrideVision, a channel that covers news and current affairs issues from the perspective of gays and lesbians, and SexTV.

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