Opening remarks at the  public hearing to consider renewing Super Channel's broadcasting licence

Gatineau, Quebec
November 5, 2019

Ian Scott, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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Good morning and welcome to this public hearing. Before we start, I want to acknowledge that we are gathered here on traditional First Nations territory. I would like to thank the Algonquin people and pay respect to their Elders.

This hearing will take place over two days. Today, the Commission will examine Allarco Entertainment’s application to renew the licence of Super Channel.

Tomorrow, the public hearing will focus on four British Columbia radio stations whose licences are up for renewal.

Super Channel

The Commission is concerned with the way in which Allarco has interpreted the regulatory obligations and policies relating to Super Channel.

In particular, it appears that the licensee is in non-compliance with certain requirements, including those relating to:

• the distribution of Canadian programs
• the eligibility and payment of certain Canadian programming expenditures, and
• expenditures dedicated to regional outreach programs, and script and concept development.  

Having a broadcasting licence is a privilege that comes with certain responsibilities and obligations. 

At this hearing, Allarco will have to demonstrate why the Super Channel’s licence should be renewed and not suspended, revoked or renewed for a shorter term with or without the imposition of mandatory orders.  Each instance of apparent non-compliance will be evaluated on the facts.

PROCEDURE

Before we start, let me make a few introductions.

The hearing panel consists of:

• Joanne Levy, Regional Commissioner for Manitoba and Saskatchewan
• Alicia Barin, Commissioner for Quebec
• and myself, Ian Scott, Chair of the CRTC. I will be presiding over this hearing.

The Commission team assisting us includes:

• Peggy Nebout, Hearing Manager
• Joshua Dougherty and Ricardo Wicker, Legal Counsel, and
• Lynda Roy, Hearing Secretary.

I would now invite our Legal Counsel to further explain the possible outcomes and their implications, as well as what is expected of the licensee at this hearing.