After listening into the start of the CRTC hearing on the proposed Bell – Astral Media merger, it all seems strangely familiar…

We thank the [CRTC/government] for its support of our industry. We think the industry has a bright future, providing more consumer choice and creating more great Canadian content. We are investing unprecedented amounts in our [content/creators/local affiliates/networks]. However, in order to achieve our goals, we need [to become bigger/more flexible content requirements/tougher enforcement/freedom to manage our networks].

There has been an enormous amount of inaccurate rhetoric from [our competitors/consumer groups/pirates/independent ISPs]. We want to set the record straight as we consider [media convergence/broadcast regulation/Canadian content rules/copyright reform/net neutrality/usage based billing]. We want to be a global leader, but face a major threat. The [competitive/technological] landscape has changed and the danger of [Netflix/over-the-top video competitors/foreign broadcasters/peer-to-peer file sharing/BitTorrent/bandwidth hogs] is an [unfair/dangerous/costly] development that allows [foreign/unregulated/illegal] competition to harm legitimate, Canadian players. We have spent [millions/billions] on [content/creators/local affiliates/networks], but must have a level, fair playing field with a reasonable chance of return for our shareholders. Other countries have [larger competitors/more creator support/tougher enforcement/greater market freedom] that allow for stronger competitors.

Given the negative, inaccurate public commentary, we would like to use this hearing to announce the [launch a new broadcast network/online competitor/investment in Canadian content/support for local stations/promise not to sue consumers/network investment]. 

This [transaction/regulatory proposal/legislative reform] represents a made-in-Canada solution to a challenging issue that will benefit Canadian [creators/consumers/culture/local communities/economy]. We want to continue to invest in Canadian [creators/delivery channels/local affiliates/networks] and urge the [CRTC/government] to swiftly approve this [merger/regulatory reform/legislation].