CRTC applications and decisions roundup

Summary#

This issue of the Canada Gazette (published May 13, 2023) lists what the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission posted on its website between March 30 and May 4, 2023. It includes lists of applications, administrative decisions, final decisions and a small regulatory note (for example, the renaming of BBC World News to BBC News on an authorized list).

What it does#

• Tells the public which original and abridged CRTC documents were posted online (decisions, notices of consultation, policies, information bulletins and orders).
• Lists new broadcasting applications posted during the period, including licence renewals, amendments and complaints, and the deadlines for people or groups to file interventions or comments (deadlines vary by application).
  • Examples of applications and their deadlines include CFLO-FM (deadline May 1, 2023) and CJSE-FM-1 (deadline May 18, 2023).
• Summarizes administrative decisions and a set of final decisions by the Commission, identifying affected stations and licensees (many are local radio stations across provinces).
• Publishes a regulatory policy correction renaming BBC World News as BBC News on the list of non-Canadian services authorized for distribution.
• Includes two errata notices from the Public Service Commission correcting earlier notices about permission to run in municipal elections.

Who's affected#

• Radio and television broadcasters and licensees named in the listings (for example, Stingray Radio Inc., Harvard Broadcasting Inc., Maritime Broadcasting System Limited, Corus Radio Inc.).
• Indigenous and community broadcasters (for example, Aboriginal Multi‑Media Society of Alberta, Gesgapegiag Community Access Program).
• National organizations and interest groups that filed or are referenced in applications (for example, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Egale Canada, Public Interest Advocacy Centre).
• Members of the public or groups who want to file interventions or comments on those applications before the listed deadlines.
• Viewers and subscribers may notice small changes later, such as the rename of BBC World News to BBC News on the authorized-services list.

Why it matters#

• It is how the CRTC tells the public about pending broadcasting decisions and who can participate. Deadlines for comments mean affected communities and competitors can speak up.
• Local stations can get licence changes or approvals that affect what people hear in their community.
• The renaming of BBC World News to BBC News is mainly an administrative change, but it may show up in channel guides or distributor lists.
• Most items are routine administrative or technical updates rather than new broad policy directions.