Posts Tagged ‘Finally’

In June, the CRTC granted satellite radio licenses to two groups
- the CBC, which is partnered with New York-based Sirius, and
CSR, which is partnered with Washington-based XM.

The federal cabinet has upheld the CRTC’s decision to issue two
new satellite radio licenses. As part of the deal, all
applicants agreed to include more Canadian and French-language
material. This is typical of Canadian media regulations and has
made headway for the satellite radio push and representation.
Groups such as Liberal MPs, Quebecers and other cultural groups
did have some opposition to the deal. “In effect, the Americans
have won…This is a black day,” said Ian Morrison, spokesman for
the lobby group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.

Sirius Canada Inc. and Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. (CSR) say
they are pleased. CSR CEO John Bitove said in a statement that
his company intends to be a “proud” representation of Canadian
business and
satellite radio to the Prime Minister, the government
and the country.

As per conditions of the licenses, The Canadian Radio-television
and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will begin holding
hearings asking for public input on the new commitments. The
decision was made by the CRTC in June however the issue has been
a heated one as cabinet debated whether to uphold it. Cabinet
had the option to approve it, reject it, or send it back for
further review.

As part of the agreement, CSR and Sirius have been forces to
increase the French-language influence and broadcasting. Both
promise to include 8 Canadian channels, which are half English
and half French.