CRTC decision on CBC license renewal good news for English-speaking Quebecers
MONTREAL, May 29, 2013 –
The Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) and the English-Language Arts Network (ELAN) are pleased with the CRTC’s decision regarding the licence renewal of CBC that added some new conditions that will benefit Quebec as a region and Quebec’s English-speaking community as an official language minority.
“This week’s decision demonstrates that the CRTC has been listening and the decision will have positive impacts for English-speaking Quebec and other official language minority communities across Canada,” said QCGN President Dan Lamoureux. “This is excellent news for English-speaking Quebecers.”
Under the new licence conditions, CBC Montreal must produce at least 14 hours of local programming, starting September 1, 2013, explains Guy Rodgers, Executive Director of ELAN. At least one of these hours must be non-news programming, restoring local content that has not existed since 2009. Ten per cent of its English television development budget must now be allocated to independent producers in Quebec. Conditions also force CBC to consult with Official Language Minority Communities, something the public broadcaster has already begun in Quebec.
