OTTAWA and GATINEAU – The CRTC has ordered B.C.-based Radio India Ltd. to stop broadcasting programing into Canada via an over-the-air transmitter located in the United States.
At a show cause hearing last month, the Commission determined that Radio India produces programming for broadcast on the radio at its studios in Surrey, BC, despite not holding a Canadian broadcasting licence. That programming reaches into Canada through an agreement with Way Broadcasting Operating LLC, the licensee of KVRI 1600 AM in Blaine, Washington. In addition, the majority of Radio India’s revenue comes from Canadian advertisers.
Under the terms of the CRTC’s mandatory order issued Thursday, Radio India must cease having its programming broadcast over the air on KVRI 1600 AM by 11:59:59 p.m. PST on November 13, 2014. It is also prohibited from carrying on a broadcasting undertaking at Surrey or anywhere else in Canada, except in compliance with the Broadcasting Act.
The mandatory order does not affect Radio India’s programming that is streamed over the Internet, provided that the company complies with the CRTC’s exemption order for digital media, the decision continues.
The Commission also issued mandatory orders to Radio Punjab Ltd. and Sher-E-Punjab Radio Broadcasting Inc. These companies had previously struck agreements with the CRTC and haven taken steps to address the CRTC’s concerns regarding their compliance with the Broadcasting Act.
“Operating without an authority is one of the most serious offences under the Broadcasting Act. We will not tolerate any business or individual that is broadcasting illegally in Canada”, said CRTC broadcasting vice-chairman Tom Pentefountas, in a statement. “The issuance of these mandatory orders demonstrates that we are committed to maintaining the integrity of the Canadians broadcasting system. We will not hesitate to act when necessary.”
