Government Upholds Alberta Television Licences and Calls for Review of Network Policy
OTTAWA, January 28, 1997 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced the Government has upheld two television broadcasting licences granted by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to Craig Broadcast Systems of Brandon, Manitoba, for new television stations in Edmonton and Calgary and rebroadcasters in Red Deer and Lethbridge.After reviewing an appeal of the CRTC licensing decision by CanWest Alberta Television Inc., the Government concluded that the decision was consistent with the goals of the Broadcasting Act, which is the sole criterion for reviewing a licensing decision.
The Minister also announced that the Government will request the CRTC, under Section 15 of the Broadcasting Act, to gather public input surrounding the possible future licencing of one or more new national television networks. The CRTC will also be asked to probe such questions as how new networks could contribute to local and national broadcasting, commercial impacts, the impact on the production and distribution of Canadian programming. The Commission will report back to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Information:
Julia Arnsby
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
[ Media Room ]
