CRTC public hearing for radio licensing to serve urban Aboriginal communities

GATINEAU, QC, March 27, 2016 /CNW/ - Over the next three days in the National Capital Region, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will be holding a hearing for radio licensing to serve urban Aboriginal communities.

At the hearing, the CRTC will consider the five applications received for a radio licence or licences to serve the urban Aboriginal communities in the large markets of Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

The Canadian broadcasting system plays an important role in working to advance reconciliation between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society, and the CRTC wants to make sure these Aboriginal communities are well served.

Canadians can listen to the hearing on the CRTC website.

Quick facts

• In August 2015, the CRTC issued a call for innovative applications for radio stations that would focus on serving Aboriginal Canadians.
• The CRTC will consider five organizations' proposals to operate radio stations to serve the Aboriginal peoples living in five of Canada's major cities. These organizations are as follows:
  • Wawatay Native Communications Society 
  • Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta 
  • VMS Media Group Ltd. 
  • Northern Native Broadcasting (Terrace B.C.) 
  • First Peoples Radio Inc.

Quote
"The goal of this hearing, which starts today, is to ensure that these urban Aboriginal communities have access to culturally relevant information and the opportunity to discover local talent that reflects who they are. The Canadian broadcasting system must reflect each and every one of us."

- Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman and CEO, CRTC

Related Links

• CRTC acts to ensure that Aboriginal radio listeners in several urban communities are better served 
• Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-399 – Call for radio applications to serve urban Aboriginal communities in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver 
• Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2015-282 – Aboriginal Voices Radio Inc. 

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

For further information: Media relations: 819-997-9403; General inquiries: 819-997-0313, Toll free: 1-877-249-CRTC (2782), TTY: 819-994-0423

Related Links

http://www.crtc.gc.ca