CRTC renews Télé-Québec network licence until 2007
The CRTC has renewed the broadcasting licence of the French-language television network la Société de télédiffusion du Québec (Télé-Québec; the Société) from June 1, 2001 to Aug. 31, 2007 (2001-256). The television network, which focuses on cultural and educational programming, told the commission it intended "to enhance the diversity of its programming and to meet the needs and specific interests of the Quebec audience." Télé-Québec noted in its application that it would give prominence to several types of priority programming, particularly arts shows and Canadian long-form documentaries. It committed to broadcasting an average of nine hours per week of priority Canadian programming between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., and an average of 21 hours per week of Canadian programming targeted at children aged two to 11. The CRTC approved amendments to the licence allowing Télé-Québec to increase advertising time from six to eight minutes per hour to a maximum of 800 minutes per week, and to include alcoholic drinks to the list of products eligible for on-air advertising. The network pledged that advertisements for alcohol would not air during children’s or youth programming.

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