Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2017-16

Reference: Part 1 application posted on 31 October 2016

Ottawa, 19 January 2017

Stingray Digital Group Inc.
Across Canada

Application 2016-1127-8

Addition of Stingray Brava to the List of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution

The Commission approves an application from Stingray Digital Group Inc. (Stingray), acting as the Canadian sponsor, to add Stingray Brava, a non-Canadian English-language service, to the List of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution (the list). The Commission did not receive any interventions regarding this application. The revised list can be found on the Commission's website at www.crtc.gc.ca and may be obtained in hard copy on request.
Stingray described Stingray Brava as a 24-hour niche service (95% English-language, 5% Italian-language) featuring cultural performance arts, including opera, ballet and classical music. The service originates from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and targets an audience that includes lovers of classical music, opera and ballet.
Stingray's request is in line with the Commission's general approach, as set out in Public Notice 2000-173 and reiterated in Broadcasting Public Notice 2008-100, regarding the addition of non-Canadian English- and French-language services to the list. Further, based on the record of the proceeding and in the absence of opposing interventions, the Commission finds that Stingray Brava will be neither totally nor partially competitive with any Canadian discretionary (i.e., pay or specialty) television services.

Secretary General