TORONTO – An on-line survey done by music services provider Indie Pool says that over 90% of independent Canadian artists support satellite radio.
Of 568 artists who responded to the satellite radio survey question sent out, 518 answered "Yes" to the question: "Were you in favour of the CRTC licensing satellite radio in Canada?"
Indie Pool sent an online survey to a sample group of Canadian independent artists between July 15 and August 5 asking a variety of questions about artist activities and interests. Respondents represented a wide variety of musical genres, each province and territory and ages ranging from 16 to 67.
"With such a large sample group representing artists coast to coast, this survey concretely reaffirms what Canada’s artists have been telling us all along," said Gregg Terrence, president of Indie Pool. "Emerging artists are grossly underserved by the existing radio industry and are excited by this positive change to the status quo."
Considering the appeals before the Federal Cabinet from various special interest groups, the timing of this survey was, of course, not accidental.
"We want to be sure Cabinet hears loud and clear from over 20,000 vocal voting constituents, that current Canadian Content rules only serve the music industry establishment, and do not in any way encourage commercial radio to play emerging Canadian artists."
"The CRTC wisely demanded that 25% of Canadian Content on satellite radio be that of emerging Canadian artists. This survey confirms that unsigned artists clearly do not want to turn back the clock and have this landmark decision overturned," said Terrence.
To see the complete survey questions, visit www.indiepool.com/survey07KT. To see some of the artist comments regarding subscription radio and Indie Pool’s support for the services, visit www.indiepool.com/comments.
