Canadian Cabinet to ask CRTC to overturn Satellite Radio licenses

Well, it looks like a bunch of groups (largely of the French-speaking type - go figure) have been lobbying the Canadian government to rescind the CRTC licenses granted to Canadian Satellite Radio and Sirius Canada, and it might just pay off.

The government has until September 14th to announce its decision, but their minds are pretty much made up already. The cabinet can let the CRTC decision stand, cancel the licenses, or refer the issue back to the commission for further consideration. Rumor has it that they’re going to ask the CRTC to rescind the licenses.

The funny thing is that this is all because of the “lack of” French-speaking channels - which the CRTC is “only” requiring 3 of. But there’s of course plans to create more French channels (it’s that whole supply and demand thing). If these lobbyists could be just a little patient rather than go crying to mommy, they would be able to have their cake and eat it too. But it looks like now everyone is going to lose. Great jobs guys.

Thanks Lil’ Conner! (haha)