Source : CBC Radio, The Arts Report

by Sandra Abma

OTTAWA – CBC Radio is putting its plans for a third English radio network on hold. Radio Three was to be aimed at young Canadians, with programming and music dedicated to their interests. But the CBC has asked the CRTC, the federal broadcast regulator, to defer consideration of its application for the new network.

Ian Morrison speaks for the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting. He says Radio Three was a good idea, but not if it came at the expense of existing services at the CBC. And that's what he was afraid was going to happen.

"The funding for it could only come with ... the further weakening of Radio One and Radio Two," he says.

The plan for Radio Three was championed before the CRTC last spring by CBC Radio's vice president Alex Frame, and former CBC President Perrin Beatty. Shelving plans for a third network is the first public act of CBC's new president Robert Rabinovitch.

Morrison says the delay of Radio Three is a good indication Rabinovitch is a decision maker, which in Morrison's mind also makes him a good leader.

In his letter to CBC staff, Alex Frame says CBC remains committed to improving its service to Canadian youth.

© Canadian Broadcasting Corporation