Statement from the minister

The Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer issued a statement today in response to the Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) decisions regarding the availability of RAI International and Al Jazeera for digital distribution in Canada.

The CRTC, which operates at arms length from Government, made several announcements today concerning the availability of non-Canadian third language digital television services. The Government is pleased that this represents the largest ever expansion of such services, effectively doubling the number of eligible services.

Under the Broadcasting Act, the decision regarding RAI International is not appealable to the Governor in Council (Cabinet).

The CRTC recognizes that today's decisions will disappoint many, and has announced its intention to conduct a review of its approach to authorizing non-Canadian television services. The Government strongly welcomes this decision.

The current CRTC approach has been in place since 1984 and may not reflect either the important technological advances that have occurred since nor the increased demand for non-Canadian third language services. The Government looks forward to seeing this review as soon as possible and will consider any necessary follow-up policy measures.

With respect to RAI, the Government made a commitment during the election campaign to take steps to ensure the provision of Italian language programming services in Canada. The Prime Minister will expect the new Minister of Canadian Heritage to bring forward options to address the issue on a priority basis.

With respect to Al Jazeera, it is worthwhile to note that the CRTC, with its decision, acknowledges concerns expressed by some interveners with respect to the appropriateness of some content and has, in an unprecedented move, applied certain unique conditions for its distribution. These include among other measures a requirement that distributors not broadcast, as part of that service, any abusive comment.

Information:

Marc Roy
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(613) 290-4670

[ Media Room ]

Date created: 2004-07-15

Important Notices






Statement from the minister The Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer issued a statement today in response to the Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) decisions regarding the availability of RAI International and Al Jazeera for digital distribution in Canada. The CRTC, which operates at arms length from Government, made several announcements today concerning the availability of non-Canadian third language digital television services. The Government is pleased that this represents the largest ever expansion of such services, effectively doubling the number of eligible services. Under the Broadcasting Act, the decision regarding RAI International is not appealable to the Governor in Council (Cabinet). The CRTC recognizes that today's decisions will disappoint many, and has announced its intention to conduct a review of its approach to authorizing non-Canadian television services. The Government strongly welcomes this decision. The current CRTC approach has been in place since 1984 and may not reflect either the important technological advances that have occurred since nor the increased demand for non-Canadian third language services. The Government looks forward to seeing this review as soon as possible and will consider any necessary follow-up policy measures. With respect to RAI, the Government made a commitment during the election campaign to take steps to ensure the provision of Italian language programming services in Canada. The Prime Minister will expect the new Minister of Canadian Heritage to bring forward options to address the issue on a priority basis. With respect to Al Jazeera, it is worthwhile to note that the CRTC, with its decision, acknowledges concerns expressed by some interveners with respect to the appropriateness of some content and has, in an unprecedented move, applied certain unique conditions for its distribution. These include among other measures a requirement that distributors not broadcast, as part of that service, any abusive comment. Information: Marc Roy Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (613) 290-4670 [ Media Room ]

Date created: 2004-07-15			Important Notices