The CRTC denied HDTV Networks Inc.'s bid for a licence to operate a national, English-language high-definition over-the-air TV channel.
CRTC vice-chair of broadcasting Michel Arpin says that the company " 'sought to launch a television station that would be the Canadian equivalent of a superstation.' " He explains, " 'the programming strategy associated with such a station is inconsistent with the objectives of the Broadcasting Act and the Commission's policies. We have never granted a licence for such a conventional television station in the past and did not find any compelling reason to do so at this time.' "
The requirement to make local programming available to audiences is an important feature of CRTC's conventional TV policy. In the public hearings, HDTV Networks said they would only commit to providing two hours of local programming per week in each of its eight markets. The Commission pointed out that existing over-the-air TV stations produce on average over 22 hours of local programming per week. HDTV Networks' proposal also went against its policies governing the distribution of digital TV signals.
The CRTC also denied YES TV Inc.'s application for a licence to operate an English-language high-definition conventional TV station in the Greater Toronto Area. The Commission had concerns about the company's ability to fulfill its programming commitments.
Source: Cartt, 04/03/2008