Source : Toronto Star

by Graham Fraser

OTTAWA – Liberal leadership politics has become entangled in the appeal to cabinet of the CRTC decision to award a Toronto television station licence to Craig Broadcast Systems.

Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, a lobby group for public television and Canadian content, wrote to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien yesterday, alleging that key figures in Craig have contributed to Heritage Minister Sheila Copps' leadership campaign.

Last week, Torstar Corp., which owns The Star, launched an appeal to cabinet of the CRTC decision, as did Global Communications Corp., Alliance-Atlantis Broadcasting and Chum Ltd.

They are protesting last month's majority decision by the CRTC to license Craig's toronto/one, a local station set to launch in September, on the grounds that its programming promises do not meet the local television and Canadian content priorities set out in the Broadcasting Act.

Last fall, Torstar, Global and Alliance Atlantis filed competing applications to Craig's, while Chum argued against all of them, claiming that the Toronto market was not rich enough to accommodate newcomers

All four appellants say, of all competing applications last December, Craig's proposed the least amount of Canadian and local programming.

As an example, Torstar's failed bid would have meant more coverage and production in Hamilton, where Torstar proposed another station. (Torstar also applied for a Kitchener licence.) Craig proposes only a retransmitter in Hamilton.

Earlier, Liberal caucus chair Stan Keyes, the member for Hamilton West, petitioned cabinet to reconsider the licensing of Craig's proposed toronto/one.

"We wish to draw to your personal attention that we have received credible reports that the principals of Craig ... whose licence is under appeal, have made a substantial contribution to the leadership campaign of the Honourable Sheila Copps, who would normally have the responsibility of bringing broadcasting appeals to the Cabinet table," wrote Friends spokesperson Ian Morrison.

Asked yesterday if Craig had contributed to her leadership campaign, Copps tersely replied: "No."

Asked if the Friends allegation would be a factor when cabinet addresses the appeal, Copps said she was hearing about the claim for the first time.

Morrison asked Chrétien to ensure that any ministers who received political contributions from broadcast licensees or applicants refrain from any involvement in the cabinet decision.

© The Toronto Star