MONTREAL – Two of the country’s largest radio broadcasters are calling on the CRTC to make changes to its commercial radio policy.
After appearing in front of the Commission last week to week to reaffirm their respective compliance with the radio policy on French-language music content, Astral Radio and Cogeco Diffusion both suggested that the policy needs to be updated to reflect the shift in tastes and music listening habits of French-language listeners that are increasingly being to world and English-language music.
“An overall review has become all the more necessary because the radio industry is currently undergoing significant changes”, reads a statement from Cogeco Diffusion. “In fact, the draw on francophone listener share to English-language radio and competition from other platforms, such as the Internet, that have little or no regulation, are resulting in a migration of listeners toward these platforms and having a harmful impact on the exposure and listenership of francophone music in general and on the vitality of the French-language music industry.”
"Astral radio stations take great pride in promoting French-language artists on the air, while appealing to the constantly evolving tastes of all our listeners," said Astral Radio EVP Charles Benoit, in a statement. "In that regard, we agree that it would now be appropriate to review rules for French-language music quotas within the framework of a hearing focused on revising the commercial radio policy.”
Currently, the regulations on French-language music content stipulate that at least 55% of popular (category 2) vocal music selections are in the French-language between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. This is in addition to the requirement that French-language stations broadcast a level of French-language vocal music of at least 65% over the broadcast week.
Both companies pledged to participate in a hearing on the matter.
