p2pnet.net News:- The CRTC, Canada’s broadcast regulator, has approved applications for three subscription digital radio services, bringing the country into line with similar services across the border in the US, and in Europe.

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunication Commission ruling will to lead to an explosion of new stations and listeners will be able to hear their favourite broadcasts no matter where they are in North America.

“Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) has partnered with Washington-based XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., while the CBC and Standard Broadcasting have partnered with New York-based Sirius,” says the CBC, going on, “The third pay service, to be run by CHUM and Montreal-based Astral Media, will use land broadcast towers to broadcast their digital service.”

The Globe & Mail says the CRS, CBC, Sirius, set-up must offer:

At least eight original channels produced in Canada.

No more than nine "foreign" channels for each domestic channel.

At least 85 per cent Canadian content on the Canadian music channels.

One French-language channel for every three English-language channels.

At least 25 per cent new Canadian content on the musical channels, which means work produced by artists within the last six months.

A further 25 per cent of the musical selections on the Canadian channels must be the work of "emerging" artists, which means those who have not yet had any hits.

The CHUM service, “must comply with current regulations under the Broadcasting Act, including 35% Canadian content and for French channels, a minimum of 65% French music,” says the CBC. But, it says:

“The lobby group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting opposes the decision, saying it may appeal to federal cabinet or through the courts. ‘Today’s decision creates a pipeline for U.S. radio programs direct to Canada, with little in return for our country,’ said group spokesperson, Ian Morrison..”

The CRS / CBC propose offering their programs for $13 a month, and CHUM would be asking $10 a month, says the Globe.

“Satellite radio offers commercial-free, near CD-quality sound no matter where listeners are in the country. It’s delivered by a network of satellites, and not through the AM or FM band, which have distance and quality limitations,” the CBC points out.

“Listening to satellite radio requires specialized equipment, such as a receiver for your home or car. In the United States, where satellite radio has been in operation for several years, receivers are a dealer option in some cars.”

Digital radio means crystal clear digital sound sans interference and some receivers, such as the Bug, can show text information, such who and what you’re listening to, on a tiny screen.

Will Canada soon be seeing applications such as Replay Radio, described as Tivo for radio?

And will Canada soon hear from the Big Four record cartel via their CRIA (Canadian Recording Industry Association).

Definitely stay tuned.

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See:-
CBC – CRTC approves satellite radio, June 16, 2005
Globe & Mail – CRTC approves satellite radio, June 16, 2005
the Bug – Rewind, digital radio?, p2pnet, June 11, 2004
Tivo for radio – Big Music vs Digital Radio, p2pnet, May 28, 2005

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