Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2019-98

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Reference: Part 1 application posted on 7 January 2019

Ottawa, 3 April 2019

THEMA Canada Inc.
Across Canada

Public record for this application: 2018-1093-7

Addition of ES1 to the List of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution

1. The Commission approves an application from THEMA Canada Inc. (THEMA), acting as the Canadian sponsor, to add the non-Canadian service ES1 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.
2. THEMA described ES1 as a niche service (100% French-language) offering programming dedicated to eSports and video games. The applicant indicated that the service would mainly target youth aged 12 to 40 who are passionate about video games competitions. The service originates from France.
3. THEMA’s request is in line with the Commission’s general approach, as set out in Broadcasting Public Notice 2008-100 and reiterated in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2015-96, 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 ES1 will not be competitive with any Canadian discretionary television services.

Secretary General

Related documents

• Let’s Talk TV – A World of Choice – A roadmap to maximize choice for TV viewers and to foster a healthy, dynamic TV market, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-96, 19 March 2015
• Regulatory frameworks for broadcasting distribution undertakings and discretionary programming services – Regulatory policy, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2008-100, 30 October 2008

Date modified:

2019-04-03