News Releases

November 19, 1999

The CBC is Pleased With the CRTC's Positive Report Concerning the Creation of a French-Language Network Dedicated to the Arts

Montreal — The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is pleased with the report of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to the Government favouring the creation of a French-language television network dedicated to the arts, and which would contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of the Broadcasting Act.

In its report, the CRTC acknowledges the relevance of ensuring that arts and culture programming is available to the greatest number of francophone viewers across Canada via a specialty television network. Those arguments had been put forward by the CBC and numerous cultural organizations.

"We are pleased," said Guylaine Saucier, Chair of the Board, "to see that the CRTC also recognizes the need to increase the offering of French-language arts and culture programming in Canada. We feel that the Commisssion has responded to the people's wish and opted for the best solution for francophone communities as well as for the country at large. A specialty French-language arts and culture network, which should be on the air as soon as possible, will fulfill its promise only if it truly reflects the reality of francophones in Canada as well as that of all regions of the country."

"The CBC is pleased with this decision. Jointly with its partners La Sept ARTE and BCE Media, the Corporation is reexamining the Réseau des arts project, exploring new partnerships and intends to file a new application with the CRTC in due course," said Michèle Fortin, Vice-president, French Television.

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. CBC/Radio-Canada reaches Canadians through eight national radio and television networks, its full-service Web sites, local/regional stations and affiliates, as well as the digital television channel Country Canada and the continuous music network Galaxie. In addition, CBC/Radio-Canada has forged partnerships with other broadcasters and is a partner in the satellite radio service SIRIUS Canada as well as in the specialty television services ARTV and The Documentary Channel. Through this array of activities, CBC/Radio-Canada brings diverse regional and cultural perspectives into the daily lives of Canadians in English, French and eight aboriginal languages. (2006)

For additional information, please contact:

Katherine Heath-Eves
Media Relations
CBC/Radio-Canada (Ottawa)
Tel: (613) 288-6235
heathevk@cbc.ca
www.cbc.radio-canada.ca