CRTC acts to ensure radio stations follow the rules

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, Nov. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today ordered Radio India to not carry on a broadcasting undertaking in Canada, in whole or in part, without a licence. Radio India must also stop having its programming broadcast from an over-the-air transmitter located in the United States whose signal reaches into Canada.

The CRTC called Radio India to appear at a public hearing on October 15, 2014. Among other things, the CRTC found that Radio India produces programming for broadcast on the radio at its studios in Surrey, British Columbia. The company has an agreement with Way Broadcasting Operating LLC, the licensee of KVRI 1600 AM, located in Blaine, Washington, to transmit the programming over the air from a transmitter that reaches into Canada. In addition, the majority of Radio India's revenue comes from Canadian advertisers.

Under the terms of the CRTC's mandatory order, Radio India must cease having its programming broadcast over the air on KVRI 1600 AM by 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on November 13, 2014. It is also prohibited from carrying on a broadcasting undertaking at Surrey or anywhere else in Canada, except in compliance with the Broadcasting Act.

The mandatory order does not affect Radio India's programming that is streamed over the Internet, provided that the company complies with the CRTC's exemption order for digital media.

The CRTC today also issued mandatory orders to Radio Punjab Ltd. and Sher-E-Punjab Radio Broadcasting Inc. These companies had previously entered into agreements with the CRTC and taken steps to address the CRTC's concerns regarding their compliance with the Broadcasting Act.

Quick Facts

• The CRTC has issued mandatory orders to three radio stations regarding their use of cross-border transmitters.
• The CRTC is committed to ensuring that broadcasters comply with the Broadcasting Act at all times.

 Quote

"Operating without an authority is one of the most serious offences under the Broadcasting Act. We will not tolerate any business or individual that is broadcasting illegally in Canada. The issuance of these mandatory orders demonstrates that we are committed to maintaining the integrity of the Canadians broadcasting system. We will not hesitate to act when necessary."

Tom Pentefountas
Vice-Chairman, Broadcasting and Chairman of the hearing panel

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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2014-587 and Broadcasting Order CRTC 2014-588

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2014-589 and Broadcasting Order CRTC 2014-590

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2014-591 and Broadcasting Order CRTC 2014-592

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2013-568 - Notice of hearing - 27 January 2014 - Surrey, British Columbia

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2014-412 - Licensing of new radio stations to serve Surrey and Vancouver

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2014-426 - Notice of hearing -15 October 2014

SOURCE: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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