OTTAWA – The CRTC has ordered Bell Media to pay over $400,000 in outstanding tangible benefits after denying the broadcaster’s request to overturn an earlier decision.
The Commission notified Bell Media in May 2017 that an audit had turned up issues with several of the expenditures it claimed towards meeting its tangible benefit requirements for the 2013-2014 broadcast year. The broadcaster replied by filing an application that the Commission reverse part of its earlier decision, claiming that it did not have the opportunity to comment on certain evidence upon which the Commission relied to reach its decision.
The CRTC denied that request on Monday, saying that it “is of the view that Bell was not forthcoming during the audit process that led to the 15 May 2017 Commission decision” after noting that the company included information in its application that was not provided in its 2013-2014 annual return nor in any of its submissions during the initial audit process.
“The Commission expects licensees to be forthcoming during an audit process as it provides the Commission with the information it requires to ensure the proper supervision and regulation of the Canadian broadcasting system”, the decision continues. “A licensee that does not file complete supporting information with respect to its (Canadian content development) and tangible benefit contributions affects the ability of the Commission to independently confirm the licensee’s adherence to regulatory and licence requirements. These filings are also important indicators of whether the licensee has the willingness, ability and knowledge necessary to bring itself into compliance and maintain such compliance.”
Monday’s decision directs Bell Media to pay the total remaining tangible benefit shortfall of $433,120 to the following initiatives and to file proof of payment by January 16, 2019:
– $99,730 to FACTOR;
-$73,517 to MUSICACTION;
– $43,312 to the Community Radio Fund of Canada;
– $124,664 to Radio Starmaker Fund; and
$91,897 to Fonds Radiostar.
