CRTC Chair, Konrad von Finckenstein, denies any one at any level of government has approached him about the Sun TV
News application, the appointment of the CRTC's vice-chair of broadcasting,
or his own mandate.
Columnist says Premier Jean Charest said his government is prepared to pay 45 per cent of the cost of a new arena in Quebec City – an estimated $180-million – regardless of whether the city attracts an NHL franchise or wins a future bid to host the Winter Olympics, possibly in 2022.
Columnist says if there were a big demand for a right-wing news outfit from consumers, it would be a success without the special cable status it is manoeuvring to achieve.
Columnist says that while the investment concerns are unquestionably important, the CRTC decision forcing incumbent telecom companies to provide independent ISPs with speed-matched open access to their networks is fundamentally about competition.
A freedom of information request to the Prime Minister's Office reveals that Stephen Harper received a briefing note on Quebecor's pitch to the CRTC for "Fox News North" last July.
Columnist says a Conservative friendly all-news network may be more about Quebecor Inc. President Pierre Karl Péladeau's ambition to own an NHL francise in Quebec City.
Columnist says the biggest shame of what seems to be the most hopeful ending to a Toronto Blue Jays season since the World Series glory years is how few people across Canada are getting to see it.