By Scott Fish
In June, the CRTC granted satellite radio licenses to two groups- the CBC, which is partnered with New York-based Sirius, andCSR, which is partnered with Washington-based XM.
The federal cabinet has upheld the CRTC's decision to issue twonew satellite radio licenses. As part of the deal, allapplicants agreed to include more Canadian and French-languagematerial. This is typical of Canadian media regulations and hasmade headway for the satellite radio push and representation.Groups such as Liberal MPs, Quebecers and other cultural groupsdid have some opposition to the deal. "In effect, the Americanshave won…This is a black day," said Ian Morrison, spokesman forthe lobby group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.
Sirius Canada Inc. and Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. (CSR) saythey are pleased. CSR CEO John Bitove said in a statement thathis company intends to be a “proud” representation of Canadianbusiness and satellite radio to the Prime Minister, the governmentand the country.
As per conditions of the licenses, The Canadian Radio-televisionand Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will begin holdinghearings asking for public input on the new commitments. Thedecision was made by the CRTC in June however the issue has beena heated one as cabinet debated whether to uphold it. Cabinethad the option to approve it, reject it, or send it back forfurther review.
As part of the agreement, CSR and Sirius have been forces toincrease the French-language influence and broadcasting. Bothpromise to include 8 Canadian channels, which are half Englishand half French.
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