The Canadian Press

Canada's broadcasters have launched a campaign to lobby for the right to negotiate fees with cable companies, who currently don't pay to carry local TV programming.

The CBC, Global TV and CTV say 30 small- and medium-sized local TV stations in Canada could be at risk if they're not able to collect a fee from cable companies, who they say currently get local TV for free.

It's the latest salvo in a battle over so-called "fee-for-carriage," which pits the broadcasters against cable providers, who say the fees could add up to Canadians paying up to $10 more per month on their cable or satellite bill.

Bell, Bell Aliant , Cogeco , EastLink, Rogers and Telus have their own campaign called "Stop the TV Tax," and they claim the traditional broadcasters already get enough money from a local programming improvement fund and are just asking for more handouts.

But Charlotte Bell of Global TV told a news conference announcing the "Local TV Matters" campaign that just like a grocery store pays suppliers, cable companies should have to do the same.

Bill Chambers of the CBC says consumers shouldn't have to pay anything if fees are imposed, but the money should come from the pockets of the cable and satellite companies.