By Brian Schultz
The CRTC phased out its per-hour-ad-minute restrictions on September 1, which means Canadian television networks have the ability to show as many commercials as they wish during prime time.
But don’t get worried just yet. According to MediaInCanada.com, all major networks have no immediate plans to show more commercials.
Besides running the risk of offending viewers, the networks say it wouldn’t be to their advantage to increase ad inventory. One of the big reasons would be because it would reduce advertising rates and reduce overall revenue.
The CRTC first unveiled its plans to phase out the rule in 2007, stating it would eventually help broadcasters earn more revenue. The major networks, however, don’t seem to be taking advantage of it. From a viewer’s standpoint, it’s preferred.
“The commission has given us more flexibility in how to use the non-programming content time in each hour, but ultimately the overall time itself will not change,” said a CTV spokesperson.
