Why Would An American Lobbyist Represent A Canadian Telcom?

[KharmaTrain]

Let's throw this one open to the class...

One of the names on Ms. Iseman's client list was the company CanWest Communications. Here's it's wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanWest_Global_Communications

CanWest is often cited as an example of how the ownership of Canadian media has become concentrated in the hands of a few individuals and large corporations. CanWest founder Izzy Asper was known as a strong supporter of both Canada's Liberal Party and Israel's right-wing Likud party, and of many laissez-faire policies in both countries. Observers have suggested that Asper's political views have had a significant impact on news coverage at CanWest media outlets. For example, in 2002, Ottawa Citizen publisher Russell Mills was fired by CanWest after the paper published a series of articles exposing a financial scandal involving then Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.

CanWest's power in the marketplace is reflected in a new contract that freelance contributors must sign. Until recently, standard industry practise was that freelancers sold the rights for one time use and only in Canada. CanWest now requires that freelancers sign over all rights "throughout the universe in perpetuity".

In response, the company's supporters often cite the alleged power of the federal government over both the broadcast regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), and another major media conglomerate, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (although both entities are intended to be at arms-length from the government and from each other).

Now what favors was this company seeking through hiring Iseman? The auction of valuable cellphone frequencies is one thing they would have had an interest in...but was there more?

Discuss...

[provis99]

1. the Aspers are the Mellon Scaifes of Canada

With a little of Conrad Black and Rupert Murdoch thrown in.