CANADIAN SATELLITE RADIO SUPPORTS MULTIETHNIC CANADIAN BROADCASTERS CHUM misguided in Appeal CNW Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) responded today to comments from CHUM/Astral Media regarding multiethnic programming. Multiethnic programming has always been the cornerstone of CSR's philosophy and it represents 20 per cent of CSR's channel offering in its original application. Prominent multiethnic broadcasters commented today on the subscription radio decision:
"This is a stepping stone for ATN Canada, and a tremendous opportunity, for Canadian controlled and Canadian produced South Asian Radio broadcasting," said Shan Chadrasekar, president & CEO Asian Television Network International. "It has the potential of reaching 300 million listeners across North America. We appreciate this opportunity, and shall draw upon our experience in South Asian programming in North America gained over the past three Decades."
Frank Alvarez, president CIRV Radio International: "CSR's Mosaic Channel will help to establish Canada, the most culturally diverse country in the world, as a leader in ethnic satellite radio broadcasting. Through this unique offering, CSR will provide the first-ever national and continental reach for Canada's multilingual broadcasters, delivering a full reflection of our diversity to a broad North American audience."
Telelatino Network Inc.: "This may prove to be one of the biggest steps forward in Canadian multicultural broadcasting," said Aldo Di Felice, president of Telelatino Network Inc.
As part of CSR's licence, the company has committed to contributing $35 million for Canadian Talent Development (CTD) focused on the growth of independent Canadian music, comedy and entertainment industry; half of that amount will be granted to Canada's Francophone talent. Total spending on original Canadian programming is expected to be approximately $70 million throughout the first licensing term.
CSR estimates that it will invest $100 million in satellite radio and infrastructure in Canada within the first seven-year licensing period. |