OTTAWA – When the CRTC gets around to doing its delayed radio review, the satellite radio decision will be front and centre.
Following the CRTC decision released today authorizing the introduction of two satellite and one terrestrial subscription radio services in Canada, the CAB “strongly urges the CRTC to ensure for local commercial radio a fair regulatory environment in a highly competitive marketplace,” said its press release today.
“Subscription radio will compete for audiences, and consequently will have an impact on conventional radio in Canada,” said Glenn O’Farrell, president and CEO of the CAB. “The licensing of these new national subscription radio services under a new regulatory regime should not be allowed to undermine the ability of local radio broadcasters to serve their respective communities in both English and French-language markets across Canada.”
Canadian private radio stations are required by CRTC regulations to devote 35% of their music to Canadian content, and for French-language stations, 65% French vocal music (55% between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday). They are also required to abide by spoken word content regulations.
These new national subscription radio services will be available throughout the country, even in communities where the Commission had deemed the reality of the local market could not sustain the arrival of new local radio services, added the CAB.
Plus, unsaid by the association release, but oft-said by the CRTC, the Commission wishes to bump the radio Cancon up to 40%. Most Canadian radio companies don’t want anything to do with that figure and the impact of satellite radio and its lesser Cancon requirements are sure to crop up during that radio review.
