Radio / Television News

CRTC denies HDTV Networks and YES TV applications


OTTAWA-GATINEAU – The CRTC on Thursday turned down HDTV Networks Inc.’s bid for a licence to operate a national, English-language high-definition over-the-air TV service (Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2008-75). “HDTV Networks sought to launch a television station that would be the Canadian equivalent of a superstation,” said CRTC vice-chair of broadcasting Michel Arpin in a media release. “The programming strategy associated with such a station is inconsistent with the objectives of the Broadcasting Act and the commission’s policies. We have never granted a licence for such a conventional television station in the past and did not find any compelling reason to...