CRTC to allow English Canadian broadcasters to air more ads if they broadcast more Canadian drama, boost audiences and increase investment in drama production.
Some remain skeptical that the CRTC's new incentive based scheme will result in significant increases in Canadian drama.
Editorial says that regulation is no longer viable in the age of the digital multi-channel universe.
The Senate Transport and Communications Committee will release a report on how legislation could improve the quality of Canadian media and help to counter the worrysome trend towards media concentration.
CRTC replaces market access restrictions for foreign third-langage services with "safeguards"; CCTA sees decision as "important first step" for further relaxation of rules governing Canadian market.
Article says most stakeholders applaud CRTC decision to relax policy on approving new foreign third-language services that compete with Canadian services; but some Canadian services expect to lose viewers.
CRTC announces it will allow general interest foreign third-language digital satellite services provided their distribution is linked to the Canadian services they compete with.
CRTC Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report shows that revenues for pay-per-view and specialty services increased by 10% in 2003.
CRTC releases its fifth annual Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report, which provides information on the status of television, radio, and broadcasting distribution in Canada.
The future looks bleak for the Canadian film and television industry, although innovative programming gives reason for hope.
Audience fragmentation, Internet contribute to declining ratings for evening newscasts and their anchors.
Article on private broadcasters' Canadian programming promises during Board of Broadcaster Governors licence hearings in 1960.
Media buyers are reportedly worried that the CRTC's new incentive based plan that would trade advertising minutes for Canadian drama will clutter the airwaves and reduce the effectiveness of advertising.
CRTC Chair concerned with dearth of high-definition television programming available from Canadian broadcasters.
ACTRA calls on CRTC to impose spending and content requirements, not merely incentives, for private broadcasters to increase Canadian drama programming in prime time.
CRTC Chair discusses CRTC's new plan to offer incremental advertising minutes in exchange for increased Canadian drama.
Industry experts say digital technology will challenge traditional broadcasters, may result in the "marginalization" of the CRTC.
Columnist objects to CRTC's new advertising minutes for Canadian drama incentive scheme on the basis that it ignores the interests of viewers.
Canwest Global CEO says conventional broadcasters should be entitled to receive a carriage fee from broadcasting distributors, calls for an end to advertising limits and to the ban on advertising of prescription pharmaceuticals.
Article says that the greatest challenge Canada will face in the coming decades is avoiding assimilation by the U.S.
Conservative leader addresses convention of Canadian private broadcasters, states that the Conservative Party would "seek to reduce CBC's dependence on advertising revenue and its competition with the private sector for these valuable dollars".
Dalfen tells private broadcasters he expects future CRTC decisions will be controversial, that 'putting Canada first' requires tradeoffs among broadcasting policy objectives.
The broadcast of Fox News in Canada will be beneficial to Canadians because it will expose them to the station's ridicule, columnist says.
CRTC approves Craig takeover by CHUM and Toronto 1 transfer to Quebecor, but notes that Quebecor will have to fulfill the local-programming conditions that accompany Toronto 1.
CRTC approval of Craig Media breakup officially dismantles one media dynasty, expands the power of two others.
Funding cuts have forced CBC to become dependent on sports programming in order to meet statutory obligations.
Rogers encouraged by CRTC approval of Bell's entry into cable distribution market, hopes for same treatment of Rogers initiatives in local telephony.
Fox News will help Canadians understand how disinformation is propagated in the United-States, columnist says.
The CRTC has granted Bell Canada broadcasting licenses to deliver television over telephone lines in eleven urban centres in Canada.
CRTC rules Fox News may be carried in Canada, rationalizes that Fox format sufficiently different from CBC Newsworld and CTV Newsnet that it does not violate restrictions against foreign services which compete with Canadian ones.
Fox News allowed into Canada restriction free; CCTA president Michael Hennessey predicts easy negotiations ahead.
CTV Newsnet reacts to CRTC decision on Fox News by reiterating its demands for relaxed conditions of licence.
The Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association approves of the CRTC decision to bring Fox News into Canada.
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union expresses concern that the CRTC approval of Fox News may open the door to foreign ownership of broadcasting in Canada, asks Prime Minister Martin to clarify his government's position.
FRIENDS research shows private broadcasters' spending on foreign programming has now exceeded spending on Canadian programming, in inflation-adjusted dollars; in drama programming, the gap between foreign and Canadian expenditures continues to widen.
Columnist argues technology has created an unprecedented opportunity to revitalize Canadian cultural policy.
Members of the House of Commons Heritage Committee question CBC President Robert Rabinovitch pursuant to an order-in-council proposing his reappointment for three years.
Article questions whether Canadian cultural, broadcast, and telecommunications policies can survive in the age of the Internet.
Head of cable industry lobby opposes "open skies", but says CRTC should significantly relax regulations governing genre exclusivity, carriage of third-language services, and competition among news services, and increase penalties for satellite signal theft.
CRTC lectures satellite pay radio applicants on the low levels of Canadian content in their proposals.
CHUM and Astral promise to reach 75 per cent of Canada's radio listeners if granted the only satellite pay radio licence, but declined to specify targets for providing new Canadian artists with access to the airwaves.
Columnist criticizes CHUM satellite radio bid, saying all that is missing is channels dedicated "to the sound of loons and maple syrup".
CHUM Ltd. says its satellite radio proposal demonstrates that a "truly Canadian" pay radio service is both "realistic and achievable".
MP reintroduces Lincoln Committee report "Our Cultural Sovereignty" in House of Commons, putting the Committee's landmark recommendations back on the public agenda.
The Canadian music industry asks the CRTC to insure that if satellite radio is to come into Canada, proper technology is integrated so as to prevent piracy.
Sirius Canada states that the Canadian arm would have complete control over content; CHUM says only its proposal meets current Canadian content regulations.
FRIENDS says the CRTC should not licence two United States-based satellite radio service applicants, or if it does, should impose substantial conditions of licence to address the harm they will inflict on the Canadian market.
Columnist Eric Reguly analyses the "real" reasons behind the CBC decision to partner with Sirius to bring satellite radio to Canada.
CRTC must weigh the potential risk of grey market activity if U.S. satellite radio services are not licensed against a significant threat to Canadian content.
The Coalition Against Satellite Signal Theft says that Quebec court ruling on satellite signals threatens the Canadian broadcasting system.
Quebec court ruling on satellite television and satellite pay radio applications raise fundamental questions about Canadian broadcasting regulation.
John Bitove Jr. is championing satellite radio in Canada; if his hundred million dollar investment is approved by the CRTC, he may become the next major media player in Canada.
FRIENDS criticizes low quantity of Canadian programming in two of the three proposed satellite pay radio applications currently before the CRTC.
Satellite radio will be the next big thing in Canada - the question is whether the CRTC wants to "get in front of the wave or get knocked over by it", says columnist.
Windsor Star editorial board uses CBC involvement in a satellite radio application to argue the public broadcaster should not exist at all.
Editorial says Quebec court decision appearing to legalize grey market satellite services will likely be challenged and legislated around, and for good reason.
Expert panel appointed by Heritage Minister Liza Frulla says that a levy should be imposed on foreign third-language broadcasters to accumulate a production fund for Canadian third language programming.
Satellite radio predicted to rival programming variety now available on television.
Conservative party leader Stephen Harper criticized for suggestion that federal powers be devolved to linguistic groups, CRTC and CBC be split into separate anglophone and francophone institutions.
The debate surrounding satellite radio in Canada will come to a head when the CRTC rules on how 'Canadianized' the various bids are.
CCTA proposal to insert Canadian ads on U.S. specialty channels seen in Canada would undermine Canadian content rules, says CAB.
Article says satellite radio is the future, notes it is already available in Canada on the Internet.
Conditions placed on CRTC approval of Al-Jazeera will result in Canada joining the ranks of Syria and Saudi Arabia, where the channel is not shown.
There is speculation that two former Martin ministers who met with the CRTC chair prior to the June 2004 federal election were trying to influence the CRTC.
Rules for interaction between government ministers and quasi-judicial bodies such as the CRTC are clear; current Minister of Canadian Heritage denies that she or any of her predecessors violated them.
Italian minister to lobby Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister on behalf of Italian broadcaster RAI International, despite the fact the power to decide on the issue lies with the CRTC.
Minister of Canadian Heritage responds to question regarding parliamentary review of government appointments process, promises "transparent process" and "best people" will be used to fill forthcoming vacancies on CRTC.
FRIENDS recommends the CRTC uphold its policy of opposing the entry of foreign programming services likely to offer substantial competition to existing Canadian services.
The shortage of high quality English language Canadian drama is a critical issue which needs to be addressed by placing the blame where it belongs: not only on the private broadcasters but also on the CRTC and its 1999 Television Policy.
CBC claims proposed satellite radio service could choose to exclude Howard Stern from signals imported into Canada; critics fear it will be unable to resist demand.
FRIENDS opposes CCTA proposal on the basis that it would reduce audience levels for Canadian programming, and supports the NBRS proposal that distributors be required to devote 75% of local availabilities to the promotion of mandated services and Canadian drama programs.
FRIENDS urges the CRTC to amend the relevant distribution orders to require distributors to dedicate a minimum portion of local availabilities to the promotion of mandated services, and that this airtime be free of charge for not-for-profit mandated services such as VoicePrint.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters says a Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association proposal to sell Canadian commercials on U.S. services carried in Canada would violate CRTC policy and endanger Canadian content.
Arguments for and against allowing Fox News to broadcast in Canada.
The expert panel appointed by Liza Frulla to report on third-language broadcasting in Canada proposes a levy on the revenues of foreign programming imported into Canada to create a fund for Canadian programming.
Article says Fox News should be granted a licence to broadcast in Canada, and predicts that it will.
CRTC to consider whether or not to let in American satellite radio providers; pose real threat to conventional commercial radio.
FRIENDS opposes two satellite-based radio applications which in our view pose a threat to the integrity of Canadian broadcasting policy by coming nowhere near established Canadian content exhibition requirements.
FRIENDS says CTV taking advantage of CRTC, seeking end run around licence in order to compete directly with CBC Newsworld.
CHUM executives tell CRTC the purchase of Craig Media will create a large alternative network and that will benefit Canadians.
Telelatino president sends letter to editor to correct "misleading factual errors" in an editorial titled "Overhaul the CRTC".
CRTC receives both fervently supportive and hotly disapproving letters from Canadians and Americans alike in regards to Fox News Channel application.
Opinion editorial says that recent CRTC decisions prove that the regulator is only hindering the development of the Canadian broadcasting system.
Article refers to the extension of CRTC vice-chairperson Andrée Wylie's term as a patronage appointment.
L'Actualité contacts broadcast regulators from Portugal, England, Australia, France, the United-States, New-Zealand and Austria to find out what they would have done in the case of CHOI FM.
Editorial says that in shutting down CHOI-FM, the CRTC was effectively protecting freedom of speech by preserving human dignity.
The CRTC should press for an improved benefits package that could include investing in research on media accessibility, if it is to approve the sale of Craig Media Inc. to CHUM Ltd.
Minister of Heritage spokesperson says vice-chairperson of CRTC's contract was renewed for only a year because the government wishes to "have more flexibility to renew its personnel".
Editorial says CHOI-FM tape-delay creates sends a message of CRTC censorship to other broadcasters.
Columnist notes irony in Canwest Global call for CRTC protection for its Men TV channel because in other instances it has argued for more foreign investment and less CRTC regulation.
Broadcasting predicted to be "sleeper issue" of minority Parliament.
Official statement by Minister of Canadian Heritage regarding CHOI-FM request to appeal CRTC decision.
With a by-election in the riding of Vanier and the need to bring Quebec voters, including CHOI-FM listeners, onside, nobody is complaining about a deal to keep CHOI-FM on the air during its appeal of the CRTC's licence renewal decision.
Columnist argues that the recent CRTC ruling on CHOI-FM is just one more example of 'journalism by judges', a process that allows the federal government to whittle down journalistic freedom and independence in Quebec.
Editorial says the CRTC decision to allow CHOI-FM to remain on-air until the Federal Court of Appeal has ruled on the station's court motion is "a step in the right direction".
Columnist casts doubt on whether or not CHOI-FM offended 'Canadian values'.
CTV Newsnet asks CRTC for licence amendments to remove restrictions that would allow it to compete more directly with CBC Newsworld.
The CRTC has agreed to postpone the shutdown of CHOI-FM pending an appeal of the CRTC decision filed by CHOI's parent company.
FRIENDS' written comments regarding RAI provided to the expert panel appointed by The Minister of Canadian Heritage to study policies and access to third language public television services. The panel invited FRIENDS to an in-person meeting held August 26, 2004.
The CRTC declines to block CHOI-FM injunction, allowing it to remain on-air, in order to accelerate resolution of CRTC decision appeal.
CTV Newsnet seeks an amendment to its licence that would allow it to compete more directly with other English-language news services such as CBC Newsworld.
CHOI-FM prepares for appeal hearing at Federal Court of Appeal.
Unhappy viewers say that CHUM's new "mainstream" programming isn't part of the New VI bid they supported.
The mandate of the three-person panel appointed by the Minister of Heritage to study the issue of third language broadcasting in Canada will be limited to policy recommendations and not include changes to the Broadcasting Act.
The Minister of Canadian Heritage annouces the appointment of a three person expert panel on third-language public broadcasting.
Former Lincoln Committee chair appointed to panel studying broadcasting content in languages other than English or French in the Canadian broadcasting system.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters says granting Fox News a broadcast licence would set the dangerous precedent of allowing foreign broadcasters to forgo partnerships with Canadian broadcasters.
Editorial calls for amendment of Broadcasting Act to allow wider scope for government to intervene in CRTC decisions.
Broadcasting space is no longer a scarce resource, and the CRTC is therefore obsolete, columnist says.
As recent events generate controversy over the role of the CRTC, some argue that this outburst of public debate only proves the necessity of the regulator's existence.
Former Minister of Canadian Heritage, Sheila Copps, says those who would have the government reverse recent CRTC decisions should remember that without the CRTC, broadcast licences would be subject to "political flavours of the month".
The CRTC is a threat to freedom of expression and a relic of the past and should be abolished, columnist says.
CRTC ruling on CHOI-FM raises a host of tricky questions.
Parliament is ducking out of a debate over CRTC's powers, article says; CRTC's powers should be scaled back.
Whatever one may think of the CRTC decision on CHOI-FM, it is reassuring that the federal government has declined to intervene.
Columnist says parliament should resort to measures such as rewriting the Broadcasting Act or using the "notwithstanding" clause to overturn CRTC decisions.
Columnist says there are no identifiable "Canadian values" and that we should do away with the CRTC in order to move towards a market based system of airwave distribution.
CRTC rulings, CBC display "left wing biases", opinion editorial says.
5,000 CHOI-FM supporters protest CRTC decision on Parliament Hill.
The National Post urges its readers to join protesters on Parliament Hill and demand that CHOI-FM ruling be overturned by the federal government.
Debate over recent CRTC ruling on CHOI-FM draws protesters from Quebec city to Parliament Hill.
In the interests of quality, democracy, diversity, localism and competition, the US government and the FCC must change broadcasting regulations to encourage independent media, Turner writes.
Recent protests of CRTC ruling not to renew CHOI-FM's licence has many wondering if a review of broadcast regulations is in order.
Many protesters are expected to arrive from Quebec City on station-subsidized transport in order to put pressure on federal government to overturn CRTC ruling on CHOI-FM.
Premier Jean Charest says Quebec will seek an administrative agreement allowing a Quebec delegation to "review" broadcast licence decisions affecting the province.
Hamilton city councillor bemoans lack of diversity resulting from only one commercial television station in the market, notes similarly sized urban areas have four times the number of stations.
Columnist speculates on appointment of next Global Television president, fate of vice-chair of CRTC.
Columnist says the Broadcasting Act should be amended to avoid "arbitrary" CRTC rulings such as those made on CHOI-FM, Al-Jazeera and RAI International.
CHOI owner Patrice Demers is upset that Heritage Minister Liza Frulla has refused to overturn the CRTC's decision to suspend its licence.
Minister of Canadian Heritage tells CHOI-FM that Broadcasting Act prevents appealing CRTC decision to government.
Columnist argues that the Broadcasting Act and CRTC are out of date and should be scrapped.
Charest thinks CRTC should have resorted to a temporary suspension of CHOI's licence and hopes for federal intervention in the matter.
Comment says that free market demand should determine who gets broadcast licences.
The Canadian television industry would benefit from a more vigorous regulator; Canadians should stand behind the CRTC.
Poll of business leaders shows respondents are split on the CRTC's recent decision to shut down CHOI-FM but believe that Fox News should be allowed to broadcast in Canada.
A critical look at the CRTC's decision to allow Al-Jazeera to be broadcast in Canada upon condition that distributors be responsible for content regulation.
An arm's length CRTC may be preferable to politicans making licensing decisions directly, but policy of choosing what Canadians watch and keeping out U.S. programming is wrong-headed, columnist says.
Columnist argues that if CHOI-FM was breaching hate laws, the case should not have been handled by the CRTC but rather dealt with through existing federal legislation.
CRTC must rule on whether or not American television channel Spike TV is in direct competition with Canadian channel Men TV.
Quebec licensing decision the CRTC's "Ceausescu moment," according to National Post columnist.
Pressure mounts in Ottawa following CRTC ruling against RAI International, as Liberals are reminded of their election promise to bring the channel to the air.
Demonstrators oppose CRTC ruling not to renew CHOI-FM's broadcasting licence.
By revoking CHOI-FM's licence and allowing the distribution of a censored Al-Jazeera, the CRTC made the best choices it could considering the confines of the Broadcasting Act.
Columnist criticizes CRTC's decision to allow Al-Jazeera into Canada if censored and calls for full disclosure.
Editorial says the new Canadian Heritage Minister should not interfere with the CRTC ruling not to renew CHOI FM's licence.
New Heritage Minister Liza Frulla says she stands firmly against relaxing foreign ownership limits.
Letter to the editor of the National Post from national executive director of the Directors Guild of Canada says CRTC plays a vital role in Canada, content regulation is at the heart of nation building.
CHOI moves to fight CRTC decision by appealing to new Heritage Minister, Federal Court.
Italian-Canadians rally to Parliament Hill to protest CRTC ruling against RAI International.
CRTC decision to cancel CHOI FM licence a case of the cure being worse than the disease.
The concept of "free speech" protects both offensive and inoffensive speech, columnist writes.
Former CRTC Commissioner says controversial Quebec licensing decision is an answer to those who thought regulator's past efforts to deal with regulatory infractions were soft and ineffectual.
CRTC was founded to distribute a resource--public airwaves--that is no longer scarce, and should be dismantled, columnist writes.
CRTC chair hints controversy over CHOI FM could have been avoided if CRTC had power to fine broadcasters that defy CRTC orders.
Columnist calls for the abolition of the CRTC following its decision on CHOI FM, Fox News, Al-Jazeera and CNN.
CRTC decisions on Quebec radio station, Al-Jazeera are those it was required to make under the Broadcasting Act.
Ruling to pull CHOI's licence gives vulgar radio hosts more fame than they deserve, editorial says.
Neither killing CHOI nor placing conditions on Al Jazeera is justified, editorial says.
In an era of digital radio and satellite TV, CRTC's mandate to distribute scarce broadcasting resources is outdated, columnist says.
RAI is examining legal recourse following CRTC rejection of its application for carriage in Canada.
Broadcasters have refused to denounce the CRTC's ousting of CHOI because the regulator helps protect their markets, columnist says.
Criticism of RAI, Al-Jazeera rulings is often exaggerated rhetoric, and both stations, as well as Fox News, should be allowed in Canada, editorial says.
CHOI is not more offensive than Al-Jazeera and should not have had its licence revoked, columnist says.
CRTC's decision to police offensive content from within Canada while allowing potentially offensive content from abroad is contradictory, columnist says.
Censorship of content that is merely offensive, not hateful, is an unnecessary exercise of government power, editorial says.
CHOI owner Patrice Demers' appeal of ruling will put CRTC itself on trial, editorial says.
CRTC not hurting free speech with CHOI decision, but inviting better use of public airwaves, columnist says.
Cable companies say the requirement that they monitor Al-Jazeera for hateful content is "too onerous."
The CRTC rules that a potentially censored Al-Jazeera may enter Canada but RAI International and TVE may not.
Upholding free speech gives audiences their right to choose what they listen to, editorial says.
Al-Jazeera application was motivated in large part by the growth of "grey-market technologies", not primarily by goals of programming access and diversity.
Observers can't agree on whether CRTC Quebec radio licence ruling violates right to free speech.
CRTC regulation is more about politics than quality broadcasting and should be overhauled, columnist says.
Station's owner, Genex, says it will challenge CRTC ruling in court.
CHUM involvement in the proposed deal's fine print may raise flags at the CRTC.
Shutting down CHOI FM sets a dangerous precedent for free speech, editorial says.
Politicians have mixed reactions to CRTC's precedent-setting refusal to renew CHOI's broadcast licence.
Joint Canada-U.S. digital radio proposals currently before the CRTC are much stronger than the Canadian-only one, but all three should be approved so that the market can decide, columnist says.
Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla comments on CHOI FM decision as an opportunity to discuss the limits of freedom of expression in the context of broadcasting.
Conservative party restates its position on CRTC reforms, "moving the body away from its more traditional involvement in broadcast regulation".
Cable carriers seek approval for proposal to run either paid ads or ads promoting their own services in time usually reserved for promoting domestic shows.
A proposal currently before the CRTC may allow cable companies to sell ads during time in American shows' commercial breaks that is normally reserved for public service announcements and promoting upcoming programs.
Cable and broadcasting associations disagree on the proposed risks and benefits of a proposal to sell ads during time now set aside for program promotion and public service announcements.
The New VI's new owner, CHUM, may not provide the local programming for which the station's licence was originally granted, columnist says.
The CRTC will rule on three services; one has only Canadian content and is available only in major urban centres, while the other two have less Canadian content and are available across the country.
CHUM has promised a $20 million benefit package to Canadian television, mostly directed at western Canadian producers, if the CRTC approves its takeover of Craig Media.
Sources suggest Quebecor, Torstar, Moses Znaimer may bid on Toronto 1 when CRTC hearings dealing with potential licence trafficking begin in September.
An inevitable loss of subscribers to satellite providers has given cable the ability to raise rates without CRTC approval.
Clearer rules and the capacity for station self-regulation in Canada mean radio content is rarely as controversial as it is south of the border.
Bloc and NDP power in Liberal minority government means culture-oriented industry groups have an unprecedented chance to gain support and resources, columnist says.
CCTA's "Remember Convergence?" paper says Canada's media policies are outdated, calls for change.
City-by-city look at Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton TV markets.
Official Languages Commissioner's examination of the CBC is an assault on the broadcaster's journalistic independence, editorial says.
The new federal minority government may provide a welcoming space for culture groups to articulate their concerns.
FRIENDS supports Directors Guild in opposing Corus Entertainment application to distribute pay television channel unencrypted on discretionary analog tier.
Overhauls to the CRTC's foreign ownership and communications policies may fall by the wayside under a Liberal minority.
Directors Guild opposes Corus Entertainment application for approval to distribute pay TV channel MovieMax! on a discretionary analog tier; among other factors, Corus makes no commitment to increase Canadian programming exhibition and expenditure if a change in status were awarded.
U.S. federal appeals court strikes down new FCC rules that would have allowed for greater media concentration in American markets.
Federal appeals court decision will affect media companies' plans for expansion, but will not force them to sell assets right away.
Star Choice has moved Sportsnet, TSN, and Raptors NBA TV out of their Sports Pack without notice or proper marketing, channel executives claim.
The Liberal Party, the NDP, the Green Party and the Bloc Québécois replied to cultural coalition letter regarding their arts and culture policies.
Conservative cultural and tax policies could seriously harm PEI's economy, letter-writer says.
CRTC framework should be preserved; it can be used to regulate availability of offensive or dangerous Internet material, former Commissioner says.
Policy proposal to scrap the CRTC would give government direct control over broadcast licensing, would remove protections that have allowed Canadian entertainment events like the MuchMusic Video Awards to take form.
TV Festival is marred by technical difficulties, but delegates still create a positive atmosphere.
Twenty Canadian media unions and associations have formed The Canadian Film & Television Industry Council to address cultural issues.
The Liberal response to cultural groups' concerns hasn't been sufficient, columnist says.
Leaked policy revealing the Conservatives' plan to restructure the CRTC and relax foreign ownership restrictions has pushed Canadian culture onto the election agenda.
Election has failed to treat culture is an issue of national importance, editorial says.
Government-funded art doesn't break even because it's a lecture instead of entertainment, columnist says.
In the face of challenges to the CRTC by the Conservative Party and some telecom companies, the Commission's chair says fundamental changes to the CRTC's role and structure are not required.
Dalfen says the CRTC's mandate is to balance the needs of consumers, established carriers and new competitors.
Speakers at ACTRA-organized gathering at CBC broadcast headquarters criticize party leaders for making no mention of cultural policy issues during televised leaders' debate.
Canadian people, not just television and film industry spokespeople, should be concerned about Conservative cultural and broadcasting policies.
Text of Hélène Chalifour Scherrer's speech at the Banff Television Festival.
Scherrer denounces Conservative cultural policies in her speech at the Banff Television Festival.
Well-known Canadians join FRIENDS in expressing concern over policies proposed in Conservative party briefing note to candidates.
Well-known Canadians join FRIENDS in urging Conservative leader to reconsider broadcasting policies contained in briefing note to Conservative candidates.
Liberal Heritage Minister to criticize Conservative cultural policies in speech at Banff Television Festival; dismissed by Conservatives as fear-mongering.
Minister of Canadian Heritage discusses Liberal Party position on culture and broadcasting.
The end of federal subsidies would not destroy the Canadian cultural industry, columnist says.
Conservatives should consider the unintended consequences before gutting the CRTC.
FRIENDS announces the three winners of the 2004 Dalton Camp Award. Formal presentation: Monday, June 14th at the Banff Television Festival.
Liberals make election promise to legislate around controversy over foreign language television channels, say a Liberal government would ensure Italian channel RAI International is available in Canada.
A Conservative government would relax Canadian content requirements and foreign ownership restrictions in the broadcasting sector.
Liberals, CFTPA say removing foreign content restrictions would ruin Canadian TV industry; cable executives say Canadians already use technology to bypass restrictions.
Columnist theorizes that the Conservative party will be unable to make radical changes to the Canadian broadcasting system, and that Canadians will be "worse off" has a result.
Referring to Green Party exclusion from televised national debates, columnist says TV network executives should not control which parties have access to the democratic process.
Conservative party document reveals it would significantly alter CRTC, no longer make it responsible for regulating content.
BCE considers long-term growth prospects and CRTC rulings as it considers selling Bell Globemedia; Rogers responds to Bell cable TV proposal.
A new Conservative policy handbook outlines the party's intent to loosen Canadian content reguations in the broadcasting sector.
Cable and telecom companies are each trying to move into the other's domain, and their competition would ultimately benefit consumers, columnist says.
CRTC may decide granting BCE a cable licence will give Bell an unfair competitive advantage.
Bell cites increasing competition from cable operators for decision to seek licence to deliver television services over telephone lines.
Faced with a shrinking market for residential phone service, Bell has applied for a cable television distribution licence in some of eastern Canada's largest markets.
New study shows Canadian broadcasters pay the lowest licence fees, have the lowest per capita ad revenue and spend the most money on foreign programming of any English-speaking country surveyed.
Unreleased report on the state of film and television production in Ontario shows infrastructure is crumbling and production jobs are being exported to provinces with higher tax credit rates.
Editorial says media conglomerates' stake in the outcome of the federal election makes them reluctant to cover media and cultural policy issues, with the result that these issues are largely being ignored.
A study released by the Centre for Community Study presents a strong case for increased diversity and competition in the local television market.
French-language Habs games will no longer be available on network television now that La Soirée du hockey has been pulled from Radio-Canada.
Competitors claim allowing Fox Sports World Canada to broaden programming beyond scope of original licence will result in too many general content sports channels.
Green Party challenges networks, CRTC to be included in televised leaders' debates.
Paul Gross tells ACTRA conference the CRTC must do more to ensure Canadian private broadcasters fund domestic programming.
Actor Paul Gross praises CRTC decision to provide incentives for broadcasting Canadian drama, but says broadcasters need a stick, not just a carrot.
The regulatory protectionism demanded by Ted Rogers on the eve of CRTC hearings will hurt Canada's telecom industry, columnist says.
Major Canadian broadcasters' request that Spike TV be delisted are hypocritical, columnist says.
CPAC's Ken Rockburn interviews Ian Morrison on the results of FRIENDS' pre-election polling on the CBC, foreign ownership of communications, and media concentration.
FRIENDS invites CRTC to investigate a dramatic reduction in local news, and an advertising monopoly, resulting from the June 2001 implementation of a local sales agreement in the Sudbury market.
CRTC announces new ad-time incentives for Canadian programming; Global reveals a reality-heavy season lineup.
CRTC issues public notice and call for comments on proposed package of incentives to encourage Canadian broadcasters to air more Canadian English-language drama and increase audiences and expenditures to Canadian drama programming.
CRTC proposes advertising minutes incentive for broadcasters to air Canadian drama in prime time, calls on government for long-term solution to drama funding problems.
Former Canadian Alliance strategist says CRTC’s refusal to allow Fox News to broadcast in Canada undermines Canadian media diversity and cultural development
Cable industry asks CRTC a second time for the right to distribute U.S. Fox News as a direct feed to digital cable and satellite customers.
Fox news application driven by satellite signal piracy, need for cable industry to generate interest in digital television; may succeed on second try.
The sale of Toronto 1 is thinly disguised licence trafficking; the CRTC should require the licence to be returned.
Lack of interest by broadcasting industry in buying Craig's Toronto 1 reflects that it was licensed for the wrong reasons.
The field of potential buyers of Toronto 1 from CHUM narrows.
CHUM acquisition will create pressure to increase advertising space on television and to eliminate the current restriction of 12 minutes per hour.
Craig's investment in Toronto 1 turned out to be a case of betting the ranch.
CHUM acquisition of Craig is expected to trigger other media consolidation.
CRTC decision to award Toronto licence to regional player backfires.
Craig deal will bring CHUM closer to national network status.
Sale of Craig rumoured to be a necessity after significant losses by its Toronto 1 station.
Craig Media finds buyer, Toronto 1 to be sold less than two years after receiving CRTC licence, and after less than a year on air.
Pending CRTC approval, CHUM plans to buy Craig Media, but sell Craig's Toronto 1 station.
CRTC report tracks performance of cable, DTH and MDS distributors and their contributions to the creation and production of Canadian programming.
Cable industry profits have increased 15.8% since 2002, 4.3% since 2000.
Internal policy document leaked to media shows Conservative Party would relax or remove communications sector foreign ownership restrictions (p. 11), downsize and limit the role of the CRTC (p. 13) and remove protection for Canadian programming in the satellite distribution market (p. 14).
CRTC renews DTH satellite provider licences for 7 years, rejects requests from numerous intervenors for new licence conditions and shorter licence periods.
CCTA concerned over CAB suggestion of levy for foreign specialty television services.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters calls for end to "free ride" for foreign specialty television services carried in Canada, refers to copyright tariff paid by private radio broadcasters "somewhat of a ham-fisted attempt at cultural subsidy."
Federal budget restores CTF funding, increases grant to CBC.
Proposed new foreign channels such as Al-Jazeera, Fox News would foster diversity on Canadian television dial.
CRTC Commissioners will no longer attend private dinners funded by the broadcasting and telecommunications companies they regulate.
Anchor says Craig Media's Toronto station doing better than reported.
Increase in private radio profits is credited to industry consolidation and new niches for AM radio.
Growth of analog specialty channel revenues continues.
Communications professors who advised House of Commons Heritage Committee on Our Canadian Sovereignty report say there is no going back if foreign ownership limits are removed.
FRIENDS public meetings on foreign ownership move to Winnipeg.
The FCC is preparing to fine several U.S. radio stations for indecency.
The Montreal Italian community is frustrated with the CRTC's delay in determining whether RAI International, the 24-hour state-sponsored public television channel from Italy, can be broadcast in Canada.
Rogers chief says new CRTC funding rules unfairly penalize Canadian specialty pay-TV channels that turn a profit,
Astral continues to have difficulty selling stations it has been ordered to divest as a condition of the federal Competition Bureau's approval of its $225-million purchase of 19 Telemedia radio stations in Eastern Canada.
Zerbisias says the CRTC, not a private purchaser, should decide the fate of Craig Media's Toronto1.
Both CBC and CTV this week unveiled ambitious plans, pending funding from the Canadian Television Fund, for a variety of new Canadian prime time drama series, sitcoms and movies of the week for the 2004-2005 season.
Torstar may take a majority ownership stake in 49th Media, which plans to replace American ads with Canadian ones on five U.S. specialty channels distributed by Canadian cable networks.
TSN continues to rank as the top money-maker among television specialty channels in Canada.
CRTC report shows specialty and pay television services are increasing their share of advertising dollars at the expense of traditional broadcasters.
Operating profit for digital and specialty pay channels increased by 36% last year.
Canadian specialty, pay and pay-per-view television services continue to enjoy strong growth, according to annual statistical and financial summaries.
CRTC hearings will consider several applications for new radio stations in the Halifax market, which has not had a new station licensed since 1990.
There is strong interest in acquiring Toronto 1, not due to its programming, but because of its CRTC licence.
FRIENDS: CRTC denial of CHUM's Alberta licence applications likely ensures stronger demand for Craig Media.
The federal broadcast regulator said it was "concerned by the potential negative impact" of the new stations on Calgary and Edmonton's markets.
Pitts says CHUM's loss of Alberta licence bid will only intensify its interest in acquiring Craig Media.
The CRTC denied CHUM's applications for Alberta television licenses, citing concerns over the potential impact on the television markets in Calgary and Alberta. It also denied Global's applications for retransmitters in those markets on the basis of ownership concentration and cross-media ownership concerns.
The CRTC ruling on CHUM's application for Alberta television licenses will ultimately raise or lower the selling price of Western broadcaster Craig Media.
The Liberal government is being criticized over a memo apparently giving Toronto Liberal MPs special input into the selection of lawyers that will advise the government on the impact of lifting foreign ownership requirements for cable companies.
FRIENDS opposes the lifting of foreign ownership restrictions.
Bell is appealing for less CRTC regulation on many fronts.
ABS-CBN, the largest broadcaster in the Philippines, says it plans to launch a 24-hour Filipino television channel with a Canadian partner in the next year.
Canadians tolerate nudity and language on television to an extent Americans do not, but draw the line at political incorrectness.
CAB argues that CRTC's "Part Two License Fees" represent an unlawful and unconstitutional tax on private broadcasters.
The growing proportion of film and television funding provided by private funds emphasizes the need for renewed public support of Canadian production.
Cable sports channels and private broadcasters benefit from government protection as surely as CBC does.
There is speculation that the CRTC's delay in resolving RAI and Al-Jazeera applications results from Liberal pressure not to upset voter groups prior to re-election campaign.
Financial Post Editor says Canadian broadcasting regulation stifles provocative debate on television.
Differences between Rogers' strategy and U.S. cable company Comcast's has much to do with different regulatory and business environments.
Astral Media withdraws application to transfer ownership of eight Quebec radio stations.
Media access groups argue that new FCC broadcasting ownership rules may lead to a few large companies owning most of the major sources of news gathering and reporting in some markets.
BCE says it is too early to tell whether Comcast would sell ESPN's 32% stake in TSN if its bid for Disney is successful.
Rogers Communications to compete in residential telephone market by 2005, strengthening its claim for regulatory treatment equivalent to telecom companies.
Documentary producer provides tongue-in-cheek commentary on Don Cherry controversy.
CanWest plans to seek relief from various "egregious" government regulations, such as CRTC policy limiting Canadian broadcasters to 12 minutes of commercials per hour.
Acquiring Craig Media would bring CHUM closer to becoming Canada's third national network.
Craig Media did a bare minimum to meet promises to CRTC for Toronto licence before cashing out.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters opposes cable's efforts to bring more U.S. specialty channels to Canada as direct feeds, argues competitive with existing Canadian services.
It is difficult to sympathize with broadcasters who are suing the CRTC over licence fees, considering the benefits and protection that come with their broadcasting licence.
CRTC report finds that factors including the economy, advertising revenues and reality programming helped double profits for private broadcasters in 2003.
Former CRTC commissioner credits Toronto film producer with putting the visibility of disabled persons on Canadian television back on the policy agenda.
The CRTC's statistical and financial data report on the Canadian television industry shows that net profits posted by private television stations doubled in 2003.
Some say the sale of Craig Media is long overdue, and was simply delayed by winning the Toronto TV licence.
CRTC blocks application for Mandarin language digital channel, responds to opposition from existing broadcaster.
Private broadcasters are suing the CRTC for hundreds of millions of dollars, arguing that a licence fee they've been paying amounts to an unconstitutional tax.
CRTC approves transitional digital television licenses for CBC and several private broadcasters.
CanWest identifies a share of cable subscription fees, and relief from requirements to provide local programming, as desirable regulatory changes that would help it to reduce debt and fund acquisitions.
CAB filed a statement of claim with the Federal Court of Canada demanding a refund of CRTC licence fees.
The auctioning off of Craig Media, which received a sought after broadcasting licence less than two years ago, illustrates how CRTC's licensing procedure is open to abuse.
CHUM may purchase Craig Media's A-Channel as a means of entering the Alberta market.
If Quebecor purchases Craig Media, it will primarily be for its Toronto 1 station licence.
CHUM says its flat profits are due to increased programming costs and taxes.
The CRTC rejects large cable rate increases sought by sports specialty services Rogers Sportsnet and The Score.
CRTC increases spending requirements for Canadian programming on most profitable specialty channels.
CRTC renews the licenses of 22 domestic specialty channels, but in some cases denies requested rate increases.
British Columbia's public service educational broadcaster, Knowledge Network TV, could soon be running commercials if a private broadcasting "partner" is appointed to help manage the channel.
CRTC grants 40 percent increase to The Score's wholesale cable subscription rate.
Enthusiasts assert the CRTC is dragging its feet on a licence for an urban music station in Edmonton.
New statistical analyses are needed to allow broadcasters and producers to understand what will attract audiences to Canadian drama.
Canadian Association of Broadcasters head says the Canadian government needs an action plan for drawing audiences to 'market sustainable' Canadian programs.
CBC Radio 3 is challenging popular perceptions of the public broadcaster.
Private broadcasters and Alliance Atlantis point to U.S. competition and advantage to explain the lack of Canadian stories on domestic television screens.
The head of the BBC fears a report on its war coverage and the death of British Scientist David Kelly will be used as an assault on its funding mechanism, self-regulation and corporate governance.
CRTC says spending on Canadian news and information programming increased 36% between 1998 and 2002, while the figure for drama and comedy programming was only 11%.
A private firm is helping to accelerate the development of narrated, 'described video' versions of television programs for the benefit of visually impaired audiences.
Policy changes and a business cycle upswing are expected to spur consolidation in the Canadian media sector in 2004.
Possible increases in media cross-ownership and loosened foreign ownership limits would dramatically change the Canadian television industry.
