MONTREAL – Cogeco Diffusion Inc. (CDI) has agreed to comply with CRTC requirements around the use of musical montages in the programming of its French-language radio stations and take part in discussions about French-language vocal music requirements.
The Commission said Thursday that CDI-owned CKOI-FM and Astral’s CKTF-FM were found to be airing up to 18% of long montages composed almost exclusively of popular English-language and non-Canadian music, contrary to regulations, and imposed conditions of licence.
While pledging to adhere to the CRTC’s new requirement, CDI pointed out that CKOI-FM was still owned by Corus during the period in question, and has since “significantly reduced the proportion of its programming allocated to music montages”. CDI purchased Corus' radio stations in Quebec in February.
CDI also said that it would participate in discussions with stakeholders about “the challenges” facing the Francophone music market in Quebec.
“CDI will actively participate in this proceeding, which should take into account developments in new distribution platforms and music consumer habits,” said CDI SVP of radio, Richard Lachance, in the statement.
