🚀 go-pugleaf

Has anybody reacted to the CRTC public notice on community programming in
Canada?
(March 11th, 1997, Public notice 1997-25)
see: www.crtc.gc.ca/ENG/NEWS/RELEASES/1997/r970311e.htm

Here in Montreal, a group named "Le Forum montrealais pour la television
communautaire" made a press campaign, without much echo from the press. We
fear that the new policy, created without a public hearing ON the future of
community television in the context of a deregulated cable industry, will
mean the end of this democratic mean of communication in Canada.In short,
there will no longer be an obligation for the cable companies, nor for any
new entrants (phone and satellite companies) to reserve a channel for the
community, starting next January.

In a few weeks, there will be a "face-off" between members of the CRTC and
members of community groups, maybe even members of the "private and
independant" television industry (who will benefit from the new
regulation). It will happen during a live show on the Montreal's main
community channel, and people from all over the world will be able to
participate in a IRC chat. Watch for details on this listserv next week!

Finally, I would be happy to get information on groups and people that
reacted to the CRTC's new plan for community television in Canada. If you
need more information, I can send you the letter that we sent to Francoise
Bertrand, president of the CRTC, and Sheila Copps, last April.

I thank you for your interest in this matter.

Isabelle Bedard, member of Le Forum Montrealais de la television
communautaire