TORONTO – Like the rest of the industry, more than 20,000 Canadian artists, represented by Indie Pool, are anxiously awaiting Thursday’s CRTC decision on bringing satellite radio to Canada.
Independent artists from across the country have long supported the satellite radio applicants’ bid as an opportunity to champion and promote Canadian artists both at home and abroad,” says the organization in a release.
“We have been waiting for this decision for a very long time," said Gregg Terrence, president of Indie Pool, which represents more than 20,000 independent artists across Canada. "Satellite radio technology has the potential to finally give independent artists from across the country the ‘stage’ they need to pursue their music careers. The status quo of current radio helps only about three to five per cent of the artists in Canada. If licence is granted, it will be easier to discover the huge amount of hidden talent we have in our country, but who needed a voice to be heard and discovered…we hope to have that strong voice.
"Currently, conventional radio does not play a deep enough musical selection to include independent artists," continued Terrence. "The vast array of channels offered on satellite radio are capable of catering to unique niche markets and the extensive playlists will boost airtime for independent artists. As a matter of fact, independent artists are already seeing the benefits of satellite radio. Many previously unheard artists are getting regular airplay on satellite radio across the United States."
Both satellite radio applicants have pledged to develop channels devoted exclusively to Canadian content – broadcasting Canadian culture to the entire continent through partnerships with XM and Sirius. In addition, between Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) and Sirius Canada, more than $56 million over the first seven-year licensing term will be invested in Canadian talent development from the private sector.
"Should the CRTC approve satellite radio, a wider variety of Canadian music will stream across North America and Canadian artists will reap the rewards through satellite revenue cheques sent to development agencies across the country. Not only will satellite radio provide listeners with the musical variety they crave, music lovers would be investing in our up-and-coming stars," added Terrence.
"As the grey market continues to expand into Canada, millions of dollars that could be used to support Canadian artists are being lost. Approving the satellite radio licence applications is a sure way for the CRTC to protect Canadian culture and even help to promote Canadian artists internationally."
