GATINEAU – With a reminder that “a broadcasting licence is a privilege”, CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais opened a radio hearing Wednesday that will examine whether to renew the licences of three radio stations that appear to be in non-compliance with the CRTC’s regulations, as well as with certain conditions of licence and mandatory orders.
Aboriginal Voices Radio, CFSI-FM Salt Spring Island and CIHS-FM Wetaskiwin were summoned to the two-day public hearing “given the severity and frequency of the instances of apparent non-compliance observed in their current licence terms”, Blais continued.
The broadcasters are expected to show cause why mandatory orders should not be issued or re-imposed further to section 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act, and the CRTC should renew a licence or alternatively, should not suspend or revoke the licence further to sections 9 and 24 of the Act.
The panel for this hearing consists of Blais, vice-chairman of broadcasting Tom Pentefountas, and vice-chairman of telecommunications Peter Menzies.
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