Netflix increases Canadian Content offerings
It looks like all of Shaw’s bellyaching about Netflix not observing Canadian Content regulations — despite not being a truer broadcaster — are all for naught. The streaming movie service announced today the addition of new titles for Canadian subscribers, including some Canadian-produced TV hits.
Seasons of Kids in the Hall, Men With Brooms and Republic of Doyle were the Canadian additions to the Netflix line-up, joining other announced titles like Weeds, Undercover Boss and The Tudors. Netflix reached licensing deals with CBC and FremantleMedia to bring the Canadian content to their service.
These additions might be a pre-emptive move by Netflix to solve any problems the CRTC might have with their program choices — before the CRTC even gets involved. And why not? If the CRTC sees that there is no problem, it would be a huge regulatory weight off of Netflix’s shoulders. By being proactive and adding Canadian Content now, they may have saved themselves headaches later.
