Global vows to go all-Canadian in Toronto, Hamilton and Kitchener markets

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp could be facing some new competition in Ontario if Global Television gets the go-ahead to operate more TV stations in the Toronto, Hamilton and Kitchener markets. The Winnipeg-based broadcaster has applied for unprecedented all-Canadian stations – turf that the public broadcaster has generally cornered. In its licence applications to the CRTC, Global argues that its proposed new stations devoted exclusively to Canadian programming would not be disruptive to the economics of the marketplace and would have minimal impact on existing conventional services in these markets – Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2001-11. Instead, it points out that the stations could be used to promote the recently launched digital specialty services, provide new local programming in each of the three markets that is not available now, and support Canadian programming. Global proposes using the stations to provide an over-the-air window to Canadian programming currently airing on specialty services, particularly the new diginets, which would be a new model in Canadian broadcasting. By providing greater exposure to Canadian programming, Global says the all-Canadian conventional channels "will promote the new Canadian digital offerings and as a result attract the interest of viewers. This will assist in the promotion of subscribers moving to digital technology. Increasing the penetration of digital boxes will benefit the digital programming services and Canadian programs." In uncertain economic times, Global also notes that its proposed stations would increase audiences and continue to strengthen the Canadian independent production sector. Most of the other licence applicants – Alliance Atlantis Broadcasting, Rogers Broadcasting Ltd, Craig Broadcast Systems Inc, CTV Television Inc and TDNG Inc (Torstar) – are also pledging high levels of Canadian content, but none has gone as far as 100 per cent Canadian. TorStar, whose applications triggered a general call for applications, has committed to 118 hours per week of local and regional programming in the three markets, and 80 per cent Canadian content at all times. Rogers has applied for an ethnic television station in Toronto that would air PanAsian and African programming. Alliance Atlantis, which is proposing a main station in Toronto with repeat transmitters in Hamilton and Kitchener, says its station would reflect the diverse interests and entertainment needs of Greater Toronto Area viewers. "Even though Toronto has changed enormously in the past three decades, no new locally focused conventional television station has been licensed since the early 1970s," states Alliance Atlantis in its application. Craig is proposing much the same with a station originating in Toronto and retransmitting Hamilton. Craig is aiming more at the 18-34 year-old and pledges to provide "a range of superb high quality Canadian local programming not currently available in the region’s broadcasting system." CTV wants licences for two markets – Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, where it already owns stations CKCO-TV and CFTO-TV. CTV has committed to adhering to a code of conduct similar to the one provided by Global when it was licensed for more than one station in Vancouver and Hamilton. CTV’s licence applications are based on the premise that the two stations be "licensed in tandem." It has pledged "substantial commitments for local programming to serve the needs and interests of viewers in the communities." Comments on the applications are due to the CRTC by Nov. 8, and a public hearing is slated to begin Dec. 3 in Hamilton.

Global vows to go all-Canadian in Toronto, Hamilton and Kitchener markets

News | 10/11/2001 4:00 am EDT

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