Letter

Ottawa, 22 October 2008

Sylvie Courtemanche
Vice-President
Government Relations
Corus Entertainment Inc.
BCE Place, Bay-Wellington Tower
181 Bay Street
Suite 1630
Toronto. Ontario M5J 2T3

Dear Ms. Courtemanche:

Re: Re-branding of Canadian Learning Television as Viva

It has come to the Commission’s attention that Corus Entertainment intends to re-brand Canadian Learning Television (CLT) as “Viva” on 3 November 2008.

A news release on Corus’ website dated 15 October states that:

“…VIVA will be the “go-to” television destination for women looking for entertainment that celebrates, inspires and guides them. With a focus on intelligent dramas, critically-acclaimed films and contemporary lifestyle programming, this is television for women with an enthusiasm for growth, learning and a passion for new found interests.“

The news release also states “the channel will remain consistent with the existing conditions of licence.”

In Decision 2004-17, the Commission set out the following conditions of licence for CLT:

1 (a) The licensee shall provide a national English-language specialty television service which provides formal and informal educational programming and learning opportunities that generally focus on adult education. Educational programs will come from a full spectrum of basic, credit-based, skills-related and life-enhancing programs, many of which will be undertaken in cooperation with colleges, universities and training institutions.

 

(b) The programming must be drawn exclusively from the following categories, as set out in section 6 of Schedule I of the Specialty Services Regulations, 1990, as amended from time to time:

2 (a) Analysis and interpretation
(b) Long-form documentary
5 (a) Formal education and pre-school
(b) Informal education/Recreation and leisure
12 Interstitials
13 Public service announcements
14 Infomercials, promotional and corporate videos

(c) Not less than 55% of the programs during the broadcast day shall be drawn from Category 5(a), and shall have clear learning objectives.

It is not apparent that the new programming format would comply with CLT’s conditions of licence relating to its nature of service and the program categories that may be broadcast; therefore, please explain how this will be the case. In particular, it is noted that the news release refers to the airing of drama and films, yet condition of licence 1(b) does not include category 7 (Drama and comedy) as one of the programming categories that may be distributed.

As you are aware, any departure from CLT’s current conditions of licence would require Commission approval.

Please provide a response to this letter by 29 October 2008.

Please be advised that this letter and all related correspondence will be placed on the public file.

Yours sincerely,

Original signed by

Scott Hutton
Executive Director
Broadcasting

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