Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-113

Reference: Part 1 application posted on 26 January 2023

Ottawa, 18 April 2023

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.
Across Canada

Public record: 2023-0023-4

Addition of i24NEWS to the List of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution

The Commission approves an application from Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., acting as the Canadian sponsor, to add the non-Canadian service i24NEWS 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.
The applicant described i24NEWS as an English-language, Israeli-based 24-hour news service that broadcasts international news alongside extensive coverage of the Middle East. The applicant describes the channel’s vision as broadcasting quality, unbiased, reliable reports to the world, accompanied by a wide range of viewpoints, analysis and opinions.
As set out in Regulatory frameworks for broadcasting distribution undertakings and discretionary programming services – Regulatory policy, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2008-100, 30 October 2008, the Commission has adopted an open-entry approach to the addition of non-Canadian news services to the list, which is consistent with the importance it places on a diversity of editorial points of view. Accordingly, absent clear evidence, as determined by the Commission, that a non-Canadian news service will violate Canadian regulations, such as those regarding abusive comment, the Commission will be predisposed to authorize non-Canadian news services for distribution in Canada.

Secretary General