http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/ http://www.eblah.com en http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1209147051/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1209147051/#num1 Quebec Newsroom Layoffs Spark Sovereigntist Demands
by Canwest News Service
Friday, April 25, 2008

QUEBEC -- Opposition parties at the National Assembly pressed the government Thursday to negotiate with Ottawa to opt out of the national Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and create its own regulator.

The call comes as Quebec network TQS announced Wednesday it was closing its newsrooms across the province, sparking a public outcry.

Premier Jean Charest said he will ask the CRTC to force TQS to continue its new coverage. He also noted that his government wants to negotiate with the federal government to reach an agreement to give Quebec more input in the CRTC.

But it's not enough for the Parti Quebecois and the Action democratique du Quebec, who want Quebec to repatriate all telecommunications powers, a move that would require the reopening of the Constitution.

Their proposed Quebec regulator would govern what rules would apply to the province's airwaves and decide what would air on Quebec television.

"This way, we wouldn't be begging Ottawa to do something about TQS, for instance," PQ leader Pauline Marois told reporters in front of the legislature.

Charest's Liberal government opposed the motion and said his government had no intention of launching another round of Constitutional talks at this point.
]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:10:51 mikedup http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1209097001/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1209097001/#num1 CRTC hearings end; decision expected in summer

By Julian Beltrame
THE CANADIAN PRESS
April 24

GATINEAU, Que. - The CRTC's controversial hearings on the future of Canadian television were brought to a close Thursday after nearly three weeks in which the giants and the small fry of the industry battled for survival and a bigger piece of the multi-billion dollar industry.

The hearings have been marked by fiery exchanges, insults and even humour, but there was no mistaking the importance of the first major review of the Canadian broadcasting system in 15 years to everyone involved and viewers.

"The rules you administer have evolved since the dawn of cable," noted Ian Morrison of the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.

"The Canadian broadcasting system is an ecosystem where each of the components is inextricably linked so that a change in one will affect the others. It is therefore vital to consider their interdependence, and its consequences."

One of the consequences, he warned, is that after the CRTC renders its decision later this summer, Canadians viewers could be left with fewer choices - not more - and the ability to access less not more distinctly Canadian broadcasting.

Before and at the hearings start on April 8, commission chairman Konrad von Finckenstein made clear he wanted less regulation and was putting most major aspects of the rules governing the industry on the table, including:

-The size of the basic package of channels offered to Canadians by cable and satellite distributors;

-Whether certain mandated specialty stations like CBC's Newsworld should be guaranteed a spot on the cable menu;

-Whether specialty stations should continue to enjoy genre protection;

-Whether cable firms can insert ads on on-demand services;

-And perhaps most controversially, whether convention stations such as CTV, Global and CBC should be paid by the cable companies for their signals.

The last issue so incensed cable operator Shaw Communications Inc.that chief executive Jim Shaw rifled an angry letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper suggesting the government intervene to reign in its disobedient regulator for failing to follow the marching orders it had been given.

But when it came time to personally confront the regulator this week, Shaw was a no show and offered no explanation, instead sending a team of seven headed by president Peter Bissonnette.

"I thought he would have done (us) the courtesy ... since we have been subject to his criticisms, I feel I should have been given the opportunity of dealing with them one on one with him personally," responded von Finckenstein after being told.

In broad strokes, the hearings have largely pitted conventional broadcasters against the cable operations, and the cable operators against smaller, independent specialty channels.

Private broadcasters such as CTV and Global mostly support the current system but are asking cable and satellite for a 50-cent-per-channel monthly charge to carry their signals.

They argue they have been giving away their signals to the cable operators for 30 years and with advertising dollars fragmenting, they can no longer afford to do so, while still continuing to pay the lion's share for costly Canadian shows and local news.

If granted, the fee would cost cable and satellite subscribers between $2 and $8 a month, depending on how many conventional stations are included, and net broadcasters about $300 million annually.

Meanwhile, the cable and satellite operators want to remove protection for specialty channels, arguing that otherwise Canadians will turn to the Internet and other unregulated platforms to get the programs they want.

The publicly-owned CBC, meanwhile, has also requested a fee-for-carriage charge in return for carrying more drama shows, but have gotten little support from other networks.

Meanwhile, small players, such as specialty channel VisionTV owner S-VOX, are pleading to the CRTC to ensure that the "clash of titans" doesn't end up with them getting trampled in the rush to de-regulate.

They say for the regulator to do away with genre protection would open them to competition from U.S. channels, as well as undermine their market share by allowing an unlimited number of Canadian start-ups.

Almost missing from the hearings was the views of ordinary Canadians, although many of the more than 60 witnesses came armed with contradictory polls intending to show they had the public's best interest at heart.  
]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:16:41 ronrob http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1208960768/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1208960768/#num1 Jim Shaw a no-show at CRTC hearings

By THE CANADIAN PRESS
April 23    

GATINEAU, Que. — After blasting the CRTC in a letter to the prime minister last week, Shaw Communications Inc. chief executive Jim Shaw was a no-show at the commission’s hearings on the future of Canadian television Wednesday.

Company president Peter Bisonnette and other officials from the Calgary-based cable and communications firm carried the message to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission that it had acted irresponsibly in allowing a re-hearing of the fee-for-carriage issue that would allow broadcasters to charge for their signals.

But the absence of the most vocal critic of current broadcast policy took some of the shine out of the hearings, which had been expected to pit the western firebrand against commission chairman Konrad von Finckenstein.

Von Finckenstein told the Shaw underlings that he was owed the courtesy of confronting Jim Shaw personally after taking so many shots from him from a distance.

“I have to say I’m somewhat disappointed in not seeing Mr. Shaw here given his vociferous criticism,” he said.

“Since I have been subject to his criticisms I feel I should have been given the opportunity of dealing with them one on one with him personally.”
]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:26:08 mikedup http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1208465843/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1208465843/#num1 CRTC orders Telus to repay customers long distance fee
Vancouver Sun
Published: Thursday, April 17, 2008

Telus customers who were dinged with a $2.95 fee for not using Telus long-distance are getting their money back.

But customers who made some long-distance calls through Telus, but don't have a Telus plan, will be stuck with the bill.

In a decision released Thursday, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ruled that the fee, when charged to customers who did not make any long-distance calls on Telus's network, including those who accessed long distance using a dial-around service, could "only be viewed as equivalent to an increase in local rates."

The CRTC received more than 1,100 complaints and comments from Telus customers after the Vancouver-based telecommunications giant added the fee to bills in November.  Alternative long-distance provider Yak Communications (Canada) Corp., which has dial-around service 10-10-Yak, and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre filed applications calling on the CRTC to review the charge. Close to 500,000 customers in Alberta and British Columbia were affected by the fee.

Local service rates are regulated by the CRTC, and have to be either pre-approved by the CRTC or, in larger areas where CRTC has stopped regulating rates (called forborne areas) are subject to a price ceiling. Long distance service, however, is not regulated. Telus had argued it did not need pre-approval or to abide by the ceiling as the fee was a long-distance charge.

But the CRTC disagreed.

"When applied to customers who did not make any long-distance calls, the monthly fee was equivalent to an unauthorized increase to the residential local service rate," CRTC Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein said in a news release. "We will use our powers whenever necessary to uphold the interests of consumers of telecommunications services, particularly in instances when companies impose unauthorized charges."

The CRTC ordered Telus to reimburse or credit customers who were charged the access fee but did not use Telus long distance. As a result, clients who make occasional long distance calls on Telus's long distance service, but do not have a Telus long-distance plan - which charges $4.95 a month for discounted toll rates - will pay the fee in months they used long distance. But customers who use alternative long-distance providers will not be subject to the fee.

The CRTC also ordered Telus to waive the $10 cancellation fee for call guardian for the next three months. Telus had advised customers that it could avoid the $2.95 fee by installing call guardian, which blocked all access to long distance, including some dial-around services. While there was no fee to install call guardian, there was a fee to cancel it.
]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:57:23 mikedup http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1200693366/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1200693366/#num1 CRTC Finds No 'Abusive Comments' in CBC's Little Mosque on the Prairie

Jan 18 2008

In this decision, the Commission addresses a complaint alleging that the Little Mosque on the Prairie episode "Traditional Mother" broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation constituted an instance of abusive comment. Subsequent to a complete review of the file, the Commission finds no evidence of abusive comment. The Commission is also of the view that the CBC adequately and responsibly addressed the complainant's concerns.

In March 2007, the Commission received a complaint alleging that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation broadcast abusive comment against homosexuals when it aired a Little Mosque on the Prairie episode entitled "Traditional Mother" on 28 February 2007.

The CBC filed a reply on 20 March 2007, to which the complainant in turn responded in a letter of 6 April 2007 (revised 19 April), expressing his dissatisfaction with the CBC's response.

Following examination of the logger tape, Commission staff informed the complainant, by letter dated 23 August 2007, that it had found no evidence of abusive comment. Commission staff also expressed its view that the CBC had satisfied its regulatory obligation to respond to the complainant's concerns about the broadcast.

On 10 September 2007, the complainant wrote to the Commission again to request that it review the complete file and issue a decision on the matter. On 21 September, the CBC advised the Commission that it had nothing further to add to its 20 March 2007 response.

"Traditional Mother" was first aired on 28 February 2007 at 7 p.m. The program was accompanied by a PG (Parental Guidance) classification displayed onscreen at the beginning of the program.

In this episode, Reverend McGee, the Anglican Minister, is asked to perform a same-sex marriage for Johnny, the community swim instructor, and his partner. Reverend McGee agrees to marry the couple, in part because Johnny is a lifelong member of the church. McGee believes it would be a sin to turn his back on Johnny.

As is not unusual in both fictional and real towns, however, not everyone is overjoyed by McGee's decision. Fred Tupper [the 'right-wing' radio talk show host], Fatima [the Muslim diner owner and caterer] and Baber [the 'radical Muslim'] state openly that they are against same-sex marriage and/or homosexuality, but to varying degrees. For example, although Fatima tells Johnny that she does not "approve" of homosexuality, she does agree to cater his wedding, because, for her, good food is more important than issues of morality. Baber, in contrast, declares he will picket outside the church during the wedding, which he considers "an abomination."

Comments in favor of the marriage come from Reverend McGee, who says that it is not that he "likes it, but that it's the right thing to do." When speaking to the issue of gay marriage and performing the ceremony at the church, the Minister uses terms such as "peace," "tolerance," and "understanding." Some characters pass no judgment on the marriage, while others express their negative opinions in various ways. The 'radical Muslim' character refuses to pray in the same building as that in which a gay marriage ceremony will be performed. The 'right-wing' local radio host questions the Minister's morals and morality because he will sanction a gay marriage. Finally, two characters, the 'radical Muslim' and the local slow-witted 'redneck,' organize a protest outside the church. The audience briefly sees them talking about how they think gay marriage is wrong; they also see their anti-gay marriage messages on their placards. In the end, the couple chooses to get married in Toronto.

The main gay character in this storyline is a visiting character and not part of the regular cast.

In his original complaint, the complainant submitted that the "Traditional Mother" episode was offensive towards homosexuals and promoted intolerance towards this group of people by:

-"trying to get "a few hurtful stereotype-laughs"
-"vilifying and portraying homosexuals as being unimportant plus stupid"
-"encouraging anti-homosexual behaviour"
-"contributing to fanning the flames of bigotry"
implying "that attacking homosexuals was acceptable in Canada
-showing "hateful people ruining the Gays' wedding and driving the gay couple out of town."

The complainant concluded his letter by requesting that the Commission stop the CBC from broadcasting the series.

In his subsequent letter of 6 April 2007, the complainant elaborated his position by alleging that:
the episode showed the world how to harass homosexuals and that it did so "under the guise of comedy";
the signs carried by the two protesters served no other purpose than to express hate;
repeated negative suggestions (expressions against homosexuals) have destructive power;
the CBC was trying to encourage conflict; and finally,
the CBC's intention was to be offensive partly by reproducing offensive conditions the audience would have to experience.

The complainant also raised other regulatory concerns over balance in programming ("broadcasting anti-homosexual behaviour in a largely-unchallenged manner") and the fact that the episode was not accompanied with obvious disclaimers telling the audience that the episode or series contained "negative stereotypes and other potentially unpleasant radical positions."

The CBC regretted that the complainant was offended by the series and stated it was not its intention to offend any viewers.

The CBC agreed that there were some stereotypical elements to the main homosexual character, yet disagreed that his portrayal was that of being "unimportant" or "stupid" as the complainant asserted. The CBC also disagreed with the complainant's overall assessment of the series and the "Traditional Mother" episode. The CBC explained that Little Mosque on the Prairie is a comedy about the interactions between members of a new Muslim community and their non-Muslim neighbours in Mercy, a small, fictional Canadian prairie town, and that the show's humour stems from the conflicts found not only in religion and culture but also among the different characters within each community, some of whom are more broad-minded than others. According to the CBC, this mix helps create the conflict that drives the plot of the program. In this respect, the CBC underscored that its policy on stereotypes clearly and specifically recognizes that greater latitude in portrayal is required in dramatic and fictional productions in order to meet the requirements of plot, character or program purpose. The CBC added that there is a significant difference between presenting the views of fictional characters in a comedy program and "encouraging" or promoting hateful behaviour.

Finally, the CBC stated that it did not promote the opinions of any of the characters in this program and emphasized that it was not its intention to suggest that Canadians should adopt the behaviour of any of the characters exhibited. Though the CBC conceded that the appeal of humour is not universal, it stated that the intention of this program is to promote tolerance and understanding through humour.

read the rest of the decision HERE!

]]> Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:56:06 mikedup http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1196898548/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1196898548/#num1 Late Jays broadcaster Tom Cheek back on ballot for Hall of Fame's Frick Award

By THE CANADIAN PRESS
Dec. 4 2007  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Former Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Tom Cheek is back on the ballot for the 2008 Ford C. Frick Award, given annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame for excellence in baseball broadcasting.

The late Cheek, who died at 66 from brain cancer in October 2005, is among the 10 finalists for the honour. He called 4,306 consecutive games for the Blue Jays between 1977 and 2004.

Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher and radio announcer Joe Nuxhall, who died last month, Oakland's Bill King and ESPN's Joe Morgan were selected to the ballot through online voting at the Hall's website.

Cheek, Ken Coleman, Dizzy Dean, Tony Kubek, Graham McNamee, Dave Niehaus and Dave Van Horne were selected by the Hall's research committee.

The winner will be announced Feb. 19 and honoured during induction weekend July 25-28 at the Cooperstown, N.Y., shrine.

-With files from The Associated Press.

]]> Wed, 5 Dec 2007 18:49:08 mikedup http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1193160282/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1193160282/#num1 Licensing of a radio station to serve Salt Spring Island

The Commission approves the application by Salt Spring Island Radio Corp. for a broadcasting licence to operate a Specialty FM radio programming undertaking to serve Salt Spring Island. (at 107.9 MHz with an ERP of 340 watts.)
(At the same time) The Commission denies the application by 0759969 B.C. Ltd. for a (similar) broadcasting licence....
  
Excerpts from the CRTC decision:
In its experience of evaluating Canadian radio markets of various sizes over many years, the Commission has not found evidence that a community with a population of approximately 10,000 (Salt Spring is estimated at 10,500) would be capable of sustaining two commercial radio stations. However, taking into account the positive economic indicators in Salt Spring Island, the Commission considers that a party with business and broadcasting experience and the ability to establish co-operative connections with the local community would be able to implement a successful radio station on Salt Spring Island.  

0759969 projected that it would generate $400,000 in local advertising revenues in its first year of operation increasing to $550,000 by the seventh year. The applicant stated that it would contribute $10,000 to CCD over seven consecutive broadcast years, upon commencement of operations.

Salt Spring Island Radio Corp. (SSI Radio) indicated that the proposed station would be controlled by Messrs. Gary Brooks and Richard Moses. According to the biographical information included with the application, Mr. Brooks has an MBA and experienced a successful entrepreneurial career before moving to Salt Spring Island. Mr. Moses, the proposed program director, worked at CJRT-FM Toronto in the 1970s and at CKUA-FM Edmonton in the late 1980s.
SSI Radio projected that it would generate $130,000 in local advertising revenues in its first year of operation increasing to $269,000 by the seventh year. It indicated that it would seek to establish a joint rate card with the long-standing local newspaper. The applicant indicated that, in addition to its required basic annual contribution to CCD, it would contribute $17,500 to CCD over seven consecutive broadcast years, upon commencement of operations.

In the Commission’s view, Mr. Brooks’ business experience and Mr. Moses’ broadcasting experience would together contribute to the proposed station’s success in a small market where for many years businesses have relied on the local newspaper for advertising their services. Many of the interveners who supported SSI Radio’s application emphasized the importance of the partnership between Messrs. Brooks and Moses and noted that both men are active in the community and have extensive knowledge of music and the local community.

The Commission notes that SSI Radio proposed to offer 123 hours of local programming weekly while 0759969 proposed to offer 45 hours of local programming weekly.  SSI Radio’s proposals to offer Aboriginal and religious programming and to include volunteers and local talent in the operation of the station would provide a diversity not found in 0759969’s proposal. In addition, SSI Radio’s commitment to exceed the minimum regulatory requirement for category 3 musical selections would provide increased exposure for Canadian Special interest music. The Commission therefore determines that SSI Radio’s proposal contains greater levels of local reflection, diversity and Canadian content than those found in 0759969’s proposal.

read the entire decision at  
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2007/db2007-387.htm]]> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:24:42 boredop http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1191471084/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1191471084/#num1
Cable firms create enough competition, advisor tells CRTC

Paul Vieira, Financial Post, 10/02/07

The emergence of cable companies as big-time phone players in the residential market means the incumbent carriers, Bell Canada Inc. and Telus Corp., should not have to open up their network to other would-be competitors, says a report commissioned by the federal telecom regulator.

Access to the incumbents' wires should still be available for companies looking to serve business customers, it is recommended. But it would be dependent on network-needy competitors to prove their case for access to regulators.

The report, by Toronto lawyer Michael Osborne, comes a week before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission begins hearings on the issue of the wholesale telephone market. In essence, the hearings are to determine whether the powerful incumbent companies, Bell and Telus, which have spent billions building networks that enable land-line phone communication, still need to be required to make their wires available to would-be competitors.

The CRTC has mandated that the incumbent phone firms make their networks available to other players in order to facilitate competition.

Hours after its release, the report was described as ill-informed, with one observer noting the author acknowledged he was neither an economist nor a telecommunications expert.

One telecom analyst said the main recommendations would lead to less competition. Eamon Hoey, senior partner at Toronto-based Hoey Associates, said Bell and Telus could be free to shut out competitors, such as Primus Canada and other long-distance resellers, if the recommendations are endorsed.

"We don't have a competitive infrastructure. To claim you can remove the wholesale limitations in [the residential] market is unreasonable. I don't know how you can arrive in to that conclusion," he said.

"This report is focused on the supply side and supports the supply side point of view. No one has gone out and asked the consumer anything."

Chris Peirce, chief of regulatory affairs for MTS Allstream Inc., said the report carries no weight given telecom stakeholders, such as his company, will not be allowed to publicly question Mr. Osborne.

"In sum, it is an interesting piece but it is almost wholly theoretical," Mr. Peirce said. "The underlying point is that there are years of facts. And to my mind facts trump theory."

The CRTC said it hired Mr. Osborne to write the report in an effort to add "another perspective" to the proceeding, scheduled to start next Tuesday.

]]> Thu, 4 Oct 2007 00:11:24 wisemonkey http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1188317110/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1188317110/#num1 RADIO

CRTC officials grill Astral over Standard Broadcasting price
Suggest deal worth more than $1.08-billion


GRANT ROBERTSON
globeandmail.com
August 28, 2007

GATINEAU, QUE. -- Astral Media Inc. faced tough questions yesterday from federal broadcast regulators who suggested the broadcaster is low-balling the $1.08-billion purchase price of Standard Broadcasting Ltd. - a deal that will create the largest commercial radio company Canada has ever seen.

At hearings held yesterday to scrutinize the massive takeover, officials with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission indicated they believe the Standard transaction is worth more than Montreal-based Astral is letting on, and that certain items have been left out of the purchase price to keep a lid on regulatory payments.

Astral executives were questioned about the stock price used to value more than two million shares changing hands in the deal, which the CRTC argues is being understated.

The company was also asked to explain why the compensation being paid to Standard chief executive officer and owner Gary Slaight, who will sit on Astral's board, was not included in the deal's value since the payments are "a financial advantage to him."

In an unusual step, CRTC commissioner Andrée Noël asked what the company would think if the regulator stepped in and required the transaction to be recalculated.

"I think you would be setting a very dangerous precedent," Jacques Parisien replied.

Mr. Parisen is president of Astral's radio division.

The move, the latest indicator of the CRTC's increased willingness to wade into broadcasting deals in the wake of three billion-dollar takeovers that have been executed in the past year, caught Astral executives off guard.

The cash-and-stock deal, announced in February, was expected to face few regulatory hurdles. The two companies' assets have no overlap, so they don't run afoul of CRTC rules limiting broadcasters to a maximum of two FM and two AM stations in a given market.

Ms. Noël asked Astral why the company used a lower average share price to calculate the value of its stock in the deal - using the week the transaction closed rather than the week the deal was announced, when the shares were trading higher.

Mr. Parisien said Astral was following generally accepted accounting principles in Canada, and that if the CRTC were to also step in and also require the board compensation of Mr. Slaight to be included, it would violate those practices.

The disagreement doesn't affect what Astral is paying for Toronto-based Standard, but does influence how much Astral will have to contribute in regulatory payments. Whenever radio assets are sold, the purchaser must pay 6 per cent of the deal's price into various funds that help produce Canadian talent, news and music.

The CRTC figures roughly $200,000 should be added to the value of the deal, to boost those payments, an amount that left Astral executives perplexed since it is so small. However, the company isn't anxious to change the way the deal is structured, one executive said afterward, worried that it would set a precedent for other deals.

Astral proposes to pay $63.2-million in benefits to the industry. It would be the biggest of such regulatory payments ever made in the industry.

The deal will turn Astral into Canada's biggest radio company, with 81 stations, including 60 FM stations. Executives testified they believe the deal will not disrupt the competitive landscape of the market, because the radio stations don't overlap.

"Each Astral station has a distinct voice that reflects its community. Each Standard station is equally as distinctive, the acquisition will not change any of that," Mr. Parisien testified.

But the CRTC showed concerns, asking Astral about whether its increased size will drown out local programming.

CRTC commissioners asked whether Astral intends to use a "networking" strategy now employed in Quebec throughout the rest of Canada. Under that strategy, the company broadcasts key daily programming - such as an afternoon drive-home show made in one Quebec market - across several cities to save money.

Executives said networking works in Quebec, where radio markets are more closely linked by culture and geography. But the company is unlikely to try it across Canada, where time zones and vastly different communities make such an approach difficult.

Although Standard uses some syndicated programs - such as weekend countdown shows - on its stations, which include The Mix in Toronto and CJAY in Calgary, Mr. Slaight said opportunities are more limited in English Canada. "Most of the local markets are so different - Hamilton is different from St. Catharines - so we don't do a lot of networking."

In cases in which a broadcasting takeover results in a company controlling too many radio or TV assets in one market, the regulator can step in to order further asset sales.

Most recently, when the CRTC reviewed the $1.4-billion takeover of Toronto-based CHUM Ltd. earlier this year by CTVglobemedia Inc. (parent of The Globe and Mail), it determined the broadcaster would hold too many TV stations in several markets, including Vancouver and Toronto.

The regulator required Toronto-based CTVglobemedia to sell off CHUM's five CITY-TV stations, which were later acquired by Rogers Communications Inc., also of Toronto.

Standard is Canada's largest privately held radio company. If the deal is approved, the combined Astral and Standard operations will represent 19 per cent of the radio listening hours in Canada, slightly ahead of Toronto-based Corus Entertainment Inc., which would be second, with 17 per cent, Mr. Parisien said.

Based on market share, Astral and Standard will hold 22 per cent of radio advertising; and Rogers 18 per cent, according to CRTC data, he said.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070828.RASTRAL28/TPStory/?query=Grant+Robertson]]> Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:05:10 voice over http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1187228153/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1187228153/#num1 CBC radio plan hits snag



By Keith Vass
nanaimobulletin.com
Aug 15 2007

The CBC’s plan to bring local service to Nanaimo could be blocked by a Vancouver-based broadcaster eyeing the same spot on the radio dial.

The public broadcaster made an application to the CRTC, Canada’s broadcasting regulator, earlier this year for an FM frequency to carry Radio One programming from Victoria on an FM transmitter to be built on Gabriola Island.

The CBC’s long-term goal is to launch a full station in Nanaimo, which would use the transmitter to broadcast locally produced news and cultural programs to central and northern Vancouver Island.

But last week, the CRTC issued a public notice that it had received an application from an unnamed private radio station in Vancouver for the same frequency the CBC wants to use.

That could squelch the CBC’s plans here, according to Ted Kennedy, chief of staff for CBC English radio.

In an e-mail sent to proponents of the of the planned station, he warned that if the FM frequency goes to the Vancouver station, “there will be no frequency upon which we can deliver Radio One to Nanaimo – either for the Victoria signal ... or for the proposed Nanaimo station.”

The CRTC will continue to accept other applications for the signal space until Oct. 9.

CRTC guidelines say the commission should weigh which of the competing applications best serves the public interest.

Nanaimo city council passed a motion Monday to ask Nanaimo MPs Jean Crowder and James Lunney to support the CBC’s application. The city will also look for support from other Island municipalities north of the Malahat.

http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=51&cat=23&id=1045369&more=0]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:35:53 voice over http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1186672725/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1186672725/#num1 CRTC Commissioner Appointed

The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, today announced the appointment of Michel Morin, of Montréal, as commissioner of the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission.

"Mr. Morin is recognized for his talent as a natural leader with remarkable skills in persuasion and delegation. He is a seasoned journalist, and his broadcasting credentials will make a strong contribution to the CRTC," said Minister Oda.

Mr. Morin has spent more than 34 years in broadcasting and has been a journalist, economic news editor, leader of a team of journalists, and, most recently, chief editor of television news for both Radio-Canada and the French language news network RDI. His career encompasses a broad range of assignments, including program anchor and research assistant in Ottawa; parliamentary correspondent in Québec City; foreign correspondent in Paris; and journalist, desk editor, and chief editor for the past 14 years in Montréal.

Mr. Morin has also acted as a guest speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant for the Swiss National Television Network, Télévision Suisse Romande.

http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=72262&issue=08092007]]> Thu, 9 Aug 2007 11:18:45 newsbeat http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1186157936/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1186157936/#num1 CRTC accelerates phone deregulation
Markets affected include Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver

  
Paul Vieira
FinancialPost.com
Friday, August 03, 2007


CREDIT: (Photo: National Post File)
The markets affected are: Quebec, Montreal, the Ottawa-Gatineau region, Toronto, Hamilton, London, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

OTTAWA -- The CRTC said Friday it has approved applications from the major phone companies to deregulate the $10-billion local phone market in the biggest Canadian cities.

The markets affected are: Quebec, Montreal, the Ottawa-Gatineau region, Toronto, Hamilton, London, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. This follows a move last month to deregulate Halifax and other parts of Atlantic Canada.

The move was widely expected after the federal government announced last December it would accelerate the deregulation of the country's local phone market.

Under rules set by the Conservative government, a local market is eligible to be deregulated if it is shown that there are three separate providers of phone services -- namely, a traditional telephone company, a cable distributor and a cellphone provider. The government said the new rules would spur competition and lead to lower prices, and would mainly affect the urban areas.

Bell Canada, Telus Corp. and MTS Allstream applied to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications (CRTC) to have the aforementioned cities deregulated. The CRTC approved the requests.


http://www.canada.com/national.....69f73dc2&k=78635]]> Fri, 3 Aug 2007 12:18:56 newsbeat http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1185898504/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1185898504/#num1 CRTC's Annual Report on Canadian Broadcasting


The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission today released, for an eighth consecutive year, its Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report. The report reveals that this industry is continuing to expand and that new media are becoming an increasingly important part of Canadians' lives.

Radio

- In 2006, Canadians were able to enjoy 1,252 different radio services, compared with 1,223 stations in 2005, including 929 English-language services, 286 French-language services, and 37 third-language services.

- On average, Canadians listened to 18.6 hours of radio per week in 2006, which is a little less than in 2005, when they listened to 19.1 hours. Private commercial radio stations captured slightly more than 80% of total radio tuning; the CBC, 11.6%, satellite radio, 1%, and the Internet, 0.3%.

- Revenues for private commercial stations totalled $1.4 billion in 2006, which is an increase of 5.7%, or $75.9 million, over the previous year.
In 2006, Canadian radio stations paid $23.9 million for the development of Canadian content.

Television

- Canadians have access to 662 television services, including 445 English-language services, 104 French-language services, and
113 third-language services.

- In 2006, Canadians watched on average 27.6 hours of television per week, slightly under the 28.1 hours in 2005.

- Canadian television services captured 78.7% of total viewership in 2006.

- Revenues for conventional television reached $2.6 billion in 2006, an increase over the $2.5 billion in 2005, and revenues for specialty, pay and pay-per-view television and video-on-demand services totalled $2.5 billion in 2006, compared with $2.2 billion in 2005. As for digital television services, revenues still represent only 5% of the television sector's revenues, coming in at $248 million.

- Private conventional broadcasters spent $623.7 million on Canadian programming in 2006, which was slightly higher than the $587 million spent in 2005, and expenses for pay and specialty television services totalled $890.5 million in 2006, compared with $724.7 million in 2005.

Broadcasting distribution

- In 2006, 7.4 million Canadians subscribed to cable services, compared with 6.8 million in 2005, and 2.6 million Canadians subscribed to
direct-to-home (DTH) satellite distribution and multipoint distribution systems (MDS), while the number of subscribers totalled 2.5 million in 2005.

- The Canadian broadcasting distribution industry posted revenues of $7.7 billion in 2006.

- From 2005 to 2006, subscriptions to digital services rose by 10%, from 5.3 to 5.8 million.

New media

- 70% of Canadian households subscribed to the Internet in 2006, which is 6% more than in 2005. The percentage of Canadian households with high
speed Internet subscriptions also continued to increase, from 51% in 2005 to 60% in 2006.

- 22% of Canadians listened to radio over the Internet in 2006 and 6% watched television.

- In 2006, 58% of Canadians used a cellphone to access the Internet, 14% an MP3 player, 9% a Webcam, 7% an iPod, 5% a personal digital assistant (PDA), and finally, 4% used a BlackBerry.

- Advertising on the Internet totalled $1 billion in 2006, almost double from the $562 million in 2005.

http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=71932&issue=07312007]]> Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:15:04 voice over http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1185839369/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1185839369/#num1 Canada's Do Not Call List

SooNews Wire --
SooNews.ca --
Monday, July 30, 2007



The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today issued a Request for Proposal to find an operator to develop, implement and manage the National Do Not Call List (National DNCL).

The National DNCL will help reduce the number of unsolicited calls Canadians receive as they will have the option of adding their numbers to the database. The CRTC published rules for the creation and operation of the list on July 3, 2007.

Interested parties must submit proposals that demonstrate that they meet certain mandatory requirements. Amongst other factors, bidders must:

Possess the financial resources to offset the expected start-up costs and the first two years of operational costs.
Provide a company profile describing their relevant knowledge and experience.

Possess a qualified project management team capable of developing and managing the National DNCL for the duration of the contract.

The Request for Proposal is publicly available through the MERX website, at http://www.merx.com, and will close on September 10, 2007.

http://www.soonews.ca/viewarticle.php?id=13542]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:49:29 newsbeat http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1185415515/ http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/forum/m-1185415515/#num1 Cop TV will have to wait

CRTC rejects bid to go national



By JON WILLING,
OttawaSun.com
Thursday July 26th, 2007

    
A Quebec television channel with the goal of solving crime will have a larger audience next year, but it won’t be broadcasting to the rest of Canada any time soon.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is allowing Montreal-based Avis de Recherche to expand its service to two million digital subscribers in Quebec, but the station’s founder was hoping to get approval to broadcast coast-to-coast, especially since he had the backing of most major police forces across Canada.

“I guess they just gave us a raincheck,” Vincent Geracitano said yesterday.

Geracitano said the current police search for a suspected killer in southern Ontario, and other cases like it, could be aided by his station, which would broadcast the suspect’s mugshot around the clock.

He plans to return to the CRTC next year with another pitch to take his information service to English Canada.


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