Regulatory, Telecom & Media News – Federal Court grants Radio-Canada leave to appeal CRTC decision

The Federal Court of Appeal has granted CBC/Radio-Canada (SRC) leave to appeal a June CRTC decision forcing it to apologize to complainant Ricardo Lamour for use of the N-word on-air. Back in August 2020, the n-word was used during a segment featuring Annie Desrochers and columnist Simon Jodoin as part of a discussion about a petition demanding the firing of a Concordia University professor who had quoted the title of a book by late Québécois journalist Pierre Vallières that features the N-word. CBC/Radio-Canada has apologized but takes issue with the CRTC decision which states that CBC “overstepped its authority with respect to the independence of the public broadcaster.” It’s estimated a hearing on the merits could take place in winter or spring 2023.

CBC/Radio-Canada President Catherine Tait discussed what reflecting contemporary Canada looks like in her address to Content Canada on Sept. 13, an industry gathering of broadcasters, streamers, producers, studios and content creators, being held concurrent to TIFF. Tait highlighted the public broadcaster’s efforts to produce inclusive programming including Marie Clements’ feature film Bones of Crows, produced in partnership with APTN, and Clement Virgo’s Brother, in association with CBC Films and Bell Media’s Crave. Tait also touched on calls to defund the CBC, saying “At a time of great uncertainty, I believe now is the time for everyone in our industry to come together — not pull apart.” Read her full address here.

Xplornet Communications has rebranded to Xplore Inc. The rural broadband provider says the new brand better reflects its identity, vision, and future. The company’s historical blue and grey palette will be replaced by shades of green, inspired by Canada’s northern lights. The company’s commercial division, Xplornet Enterprise Solutions, is now named Xplore Business.