The CRTC has approved SiriusXM Canada’s go-private transaction, valued at $479 million

The CRTC has approved SiriusXM Canada’s go-private transaction, valued at $479 million. In doing so, the commission is directing SiriusXM Canada to allocate nearly $29 million over the next seven years to funds that promote Canadian musical talent, such as FACTOR and Musicaction. The CRTC says it considers the transaction to be in the public interest of Canadians, as it will continue to ensure the sustainability of the satellite radio service, while supporting the Canadian broadcasting system investments through tangible benefits.The CBC, currently one of three major Canadian shareholders, will divest its financial stake as a result of the transaction.

Rogers Media is acquiring CISL-AM Vancouver from Newcap Inc. and will launch new, all-sports radio station Sportsnet 650, subject to CRTC approval. Sportsnet 650 would air Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Blue Jays games, plus the MLB post-season. The station is Rogers third Sportsnet-branded radio station joining Sportsnet 590 The FAN in Toronto and Sportsnet 960 The FAN in Calgary. AM 650 will continue to broadcast in its current format until Sportsnet 650 radio launches in the fall.

The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) is evenly divided on whether or not TV spots for CHUM-FM, broadcast in September 2016 on CTV Toronto and CP24, breached the code relating to exploitation, degradation and sex-role stereotyping. The promos featured a muscular, white male actor who is directed by a female voice off-screen to remove his shirt and pants, so he is holding only a card with the radio station logo covering his crotch. The CBSC received numerous complaints from viewers who felt the promos objectified the man. Half of the CBSC’s English-Language Panel found no breach because the spots were intended to be humorous and reversed historical stereotypes. The adjudicators who did conclude there were code breaches stated that there was clearly a gender power imbalance in that a female was directing a male to remove his clothing for no other reason than her own desire, and he seemed obliged to obey. A split decision means there is technically no breach of any code.

The CRTC has approved Newcap’s application to amend the broadcasting licence for CHLG-FM Vancouver in order to direct a total of $185,000 in Canadian Content Development (CCD) contributions to two concert events featuring Aboriginal music. The request was based on the fact the broadcasting licences of Aboriginal Voices Radio Inc., the original recipient of the CCD funds, have been revoked.

Q107 (CILQ-FM) Toronto celebrates its 40th birthday next month. The station officially signed on May 22, 1977, with its first song Hard Rock Town by Murray McLauchlan. The station is running promos and contests qualifying listeners for a chance to win tickets to Q107’s 40th Birthday Bash featuring Dwayne Gretzky at the Phoenix Concert Theatre on June 2.

CHVN-FM Winnipeg took to the airwaves Apr. 11-13 for the 2017 Youth For Christ Make Hope Happen Radiothon. The event raised a total of $81,175.00.

The Eagle 100.9 (CKUV-FM) Okotoks teamed up with the Sheep River Health Trust for the 4th annual Together We Can Make a Difference Radiothon. The 13-hour broadcast raised $57,275.

CBC is set to open its London, ON station June 12 inside the central branch of the London Public Library. The public broadcaster says the station will take a digital-first approach with a strong online presence in addition to being home to CBC London’s new morning show, which will broadcast from 6 to 8:30 a.m., and the afternoon radio show which is currently based in Windsor. Afternoon drive will remain a two-hour regional program focused on southwestern Ontario.

Canada is now the sixth largest recorded music market on the planet, according to the International Federation for the Phonographic Industry’s (IFPI) Global Music Report 2017. Highlights of Canada’s 2016 numbers include an increase in overall recorded music revenue of 12.8 per cent, totalling CAD $489.4 million; total streaming revenues, including subscription and ad-supported streaming, more than doubled, rising to USD $127.8 million; digital revenues grew to USD $233 million in 2016, up from USD $170 million in 2015; revenues from physical sales continue to decline, falling to USD $99 million in 2016. The report states though music consumption around the world continues to rise to never-before-seen levels, the “value gap” remains a significant problem, as the revenue returned to music creators has not kept pace with music consumption.

Q Country 91.5 FM (CKLQ-FM) Brandon, MB officially launches at 4:15 pm today (Apr. 27). Westman Communications Group received CRTC approval in January to make the move to FM, while continuing the AM band as a repeater. CKLQ is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.