OTTAWA – In move that could have implications for a number of cross-border broadcasters, the CRTC has summoned three B.C.-based radio companies to a hearing in October for allegedly broadcasting in Canada without a licence.
According to the Commission, Radio India, which is owned and controlled by Baljit Kaur Bains; Radio Punjab, owned and controlled by Gurpal S. Garcha; and Sher-E-Punjab, owned and controlled by Surinder Kaur Badh are all producing programming for broadcast on the radio and over the Internet without licences to carry on a radio programming undertaking in Canada, contrary to the Broadcasting Act. Their primarily South Asian language programming is available in lower mainland B.C., including the Surrey and Vancouver radio markets, via arrangements with U.S. broadcasters located in Washington State.
This isn’t a new issue for the CRTC, which said that it has examined the issue of entities apparently broadcasting, in whole or in part, in Canada without a licence into the region at various times in the last 16 years. It was also the impetus for the licensing of two new local Vancouver radio stations earlier this month.
According to the Commission, the three Washington State services have hindered the growth of the new licensed Canadian services, which have specific regulatory requirements related to offering programming in a range of languages to multiple cultural groups, annual Canadian Content Development contribution requirements, and Commission and industry oversight. Both Sher-E-Punjab and Radio India applied for the Vancouver licences but were denied.
The public hearing, scheduled for October 15 in Gatineau, will inquire into, hear and determine whether the entities are broadcasting, in whole or in part in Canada without a licence, plus they will be required to show cause why a mandatory order should not be issued requiring them to cease and desist operating a broadcasting undertaking except in compliance with the Broadcasting Act. The Commission added that, given the use of foreign transmitters by these stations, there may be tax implications for businesses who advertise on these stations.
Interventions and comments are due by September 12, 2014.
