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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-480
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Ottawa, 1 October 2003
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MediaNet Canada Radio Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario
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Application 2002-0936-3
Public Hearing in the National Capital Region
26 May 2003
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VOT Toronto - Specialty audio service
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In this decision, the Commission approves the operation of a new, Tamil- and English-language, ethnic specialty audio service.
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The application
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1.
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The Commission received an application by MediaNet Canada Radio Ltd. (MediaNet) for a broadcasting licence to operate a Tamil- and English-language, ethnic specialty audio service to be known as VOT Toronto.
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2.
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The applicant proposed a programming service that would consist of spoken word and music programming. The service would be directed to members of the Tamil-Canadian community resident in the Toronto region, and would be available for distribution by broadcasting distribution undertakings serving that region.
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3.
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The Commission received one intervention commenting on this application. The Commission notes the concerns raised by the intervener, Inner City Films, on the subject of cultural diversity, and its desire to see an "opening up [of] a new dialogue on diversity."
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4.
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Based on its examination of this application, the Commission is satisfied that it is in conformity with all applicable terms and conditions announced in New licensing framework for specialty audio programming services, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2002-53, 12 September 2002. Accordingly, the Commission approves the application by MediaNet for a licence to operate the VOT Toronto programming service.
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Issuance of the licence
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8.
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The Commission will issue a licence once the applicant has satisfied the Commission, with supporting documentation, that the following requirements have been met:
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- the applicant has entered into a distribution agreement with at least one licensed distributor; and
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- the applicant has informed the Commission in writing that it is prepared to commence operations. The undertaking must be operational at the earliest possible date and in any event no later than 24 months of the date of this decision, unless a request for an extension of time is approved by the Commission before 1 October 2005. In order to ensure that such a request is processed in a timely manner, it should be submitted at least 60 days before this date.
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5.
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The licence will expire 31 August 2010 and will be subject to the conditions of licence set out in the appendix to this decision.
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Other matters
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6.
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In accordance with Implementation of an employment equity policy, Public Notice CRTC 1992-59, 1 September 1992, the Commission encourages the licensee to consider employment equity issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.
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Secretary General
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This decision is to be appended to the licence. It is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be examined at the following Internet site: www.crtc.gc.ca
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Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-480
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Conditions of licence
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1. The licensee shall provide a regional, ethnic, specialty audio programming service directed to the Tamil-Canadian community resident in the Toronto region. Of the spoken word programming aired in each broadcast week, a minimum of 90% shall be in the Tamil language and the remainder shall be in English. In each broadcast week, a minimum of 95% of the vocal musical selections aired shall be in the Tamil language, and a minimum of 40% of all programming shall be produced in Canada.
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2. No more than 7% of the programming in each broadcast week shall be religious programming.
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3. The licensee shall adhere to the provisions set out in Religious Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1993-78, 3 June 1993.
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4. The licensee shall adhere to the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' (CAB) Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children and to the CAB's Sex-Role Portrayal Code for Television and Radio Programming, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.
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5. The licensee shall adhere to sections 2.2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9(2) of the Radio Regulations, 1986.
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6. The licensee shall adhere to the Broadcasting Licence Fee Regulations, 1997 if its revenues derived from broadcasting activities exceed the threshold amount of $2 million.
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For the purposes of the conditions of this licence, broadcast day shall have the same meaning as that set out in section 2 of the Radio Regulations, 1986; and the Toronto region shall mean the area that comprises the City of Toronto and the Regions of Durham, Vaughan and Peel.
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Date Modified: 2003-10-01
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