The deadline to apply for all four vacant CRTC openings has been extended to March 15

GENERAL:

The deadline to apply for all four vacant CRTC openings has been extended to March 15. Vacancies include the regional members for Manitoba/Saskatchewan and Ontario, chairperson and vice-chairperson (broadcasting).

The Radio-Canada ombudsman is accusing the ICI RDI channel of breaching its obligations by broadcasting content in English without simultaneous translation. In his decision, Guy Gendron, a former reporter himself, calls on RDI to ensure the practice is minimized. The decision stems from a complaint filed in January by a viewer unhappy about the lack of French translation of portions of interviews broadcast on ICI RDI. RDI says it is reviewing the decision.

The CRTC says Canadian telcos made $37.7 million last year charging customers to unlock their cellphones. That’s a 75 per cent jump over 2014. The CRTC would only reveal that the tally includes up to seven providers and didn’t provide a breakdown. The controversial charge, usually $50, was hotly debated at a CRTC hearing last month with consumer groups arguing customers shouldn’t be charged for the service, especially if they’ve paid off their phone. Telus and Bell argued the practice stops third party dealers from re-selling phones overseas and protects telecoms against customers walking away from their contracts.

Quebecor Media Inc. has struck a partnership with Tuango Inc. that gives the e-commerce/ bulk sales company access to its audience base in return for its email list. The Montreal-based broadcaster and publisher will allow its advertisers to sell products through the group-buying site.

In one of the largest Canadian charitable donations aimed at Indigenous communities, The Slaight Family Foundation will donate more than $12 million to 15 not-for-profit organizations. Among those receiving funding is Indigenous-led registered charity Indspire which works toward the goal of closing the gap in Indigenous education.

Lynn Burry, senior producer and co-host of NTV Evening Newshour, and Anthony Germain host of CBC St. John’s Morning Show, will be the Masters of Ceremonies for the Atlantic Journalism Awards. This year’s event happens May 6 at the St. John’s Convention Centre. Finalists for the AJAs will be announced in early April.