OTTAWA – At least it won’t be an election issue this time around.
The CRTC today added Italian channel RAI International to the eligible satellite list of services for distribution on a digital basis.
Getting RAI on has been quite a battle for the cable companies since the Commission originally sided with its policy of genre-protection, shutting RAI out in 2004 in favor of protecting Corus Entertainment-controlled Telelatino.
The channel was an election issue last time around as politicians promised Italian-Canadian voters the channel would be added.
Rogers Cable says RAI will go live on its systems June 2, to coincide with Festa Della Republica, the Italian National Day.
According to Phil Lind, vice-chairman, Rogers Communications Inc., and the behind-the-scenes leader to get RAI added, "We are thrilled that the CRTC has made their decision to include RAI International on their list of eligible channels in Canada. We will be able to satisfy pent up demand for this programming."
"Adding new services, such as RAI International, provides Canadians with a different perspective on world events," said Michael Hennessy, CCTA president, in a release. "RAI International, Italy’s public broadcaster, is an excellent complement to the current Canadian digital line-up."
RAI International 2 joins a growing list of Canadian and international third-language services that are available to Canadians, including ARY (Urdu), RTVi (Russian), German TV (German) and TV Japan (Japanese).
"Each cable company will need to make the necessary business arrangements prior to airing the new channel," stated Mr. Hennessy. "We hope the process will be completed as quickly as possible."
RAI International 2 is a 24-hour international programming service of Italy’s public broadcaster, targeted at Italian-speaking communities. It offers a broad range of programs including feature films, news and entertainment. RAI International is currently available in 238 countries around the world, including the United States, Argentina and Brazil.
The one limitation that the CRTC placed on the distribution of RAI is that any distributor that carries it must also carry Telelatino.
Click here for the explanation and the new list.
