Here is a reply I received from CBC :
We're pleased to hear of your interest in CBC Television.
Those American viewers within direct antenna range of our the over the air transmitters are able to receive CBC Television. Also, Under U.S. copyright law, an American cable system within 150 miles of the Canadian border would be permitted to retransmit the signal of CBC station if they follow the requirements of the legislation, including the payment of applicable royalties.
The decision to carry a particular channel is made by the particular cable system. An interested company would then be welcome to contact CBC directly for further information. American viewers should make their preferences known to their local provider, as a carrier will likely not pick up a channel for which there is no significant public demand.
CBC does not own broadcast rights in the United States for all of its programming due to copyright and licensing restrictions, and therefore many of the shows we air cannot be shown south of the border. As well, due to the encryption of our digital satellite signal, CBC Television is not available on existing C or Ku-band systems or DVB receivers.
The Federal Communications Commission has measures in place to discourage widespread competition from foreign broadcasters on American airwaves. As a result, providers such as DISH Network and DirecTV aren't able to carry our main network.
As you know, a selection of "Hockey Night In Canada" games are available through the NHL Centre Ice broadcast package offered through DirecTV and Dish Network, and "Sports In Demand" on digital cable.
CBC currently provides programming to the satellite channel Newsworld International (NWI). This channel is carried on direct to home service through DirecTV, and by some digital cable carriers. Your local distributors will have further information should you be interested. The NWI web site can be browsed at <http://www.nwitv.com>.
Feel free to contact us again.
Kim Belle
Communications Assistant
CBC Audience Relations