CRTC shuts down illegal cross-border broadcasters in B.C.

OTTAWA and GATINEAU – The CRTC has ordered B.C.-based Radio India Ltd. to stop broadcasting programing into Canada via an over-the-air transmitter located in the United States.At a show cause hearing last month, the Commission determined that Radio India produces programming for broadcast on the radio at its studios in Surrey, BC, despite not holding a Canadian broadcasting licence. That programming reaches into Canada through an agreement with Way Broadcasting Operating LLC, the licensee of KVRI 1600 AM in Blaine, Washington. In addition, the majority of Radio India’s revenue comes from Canadian advertisers.Under the terms of the CRTC’s mandatory order issued...