COGECO DIFFUSION DISCUSSES THE MUSIC MONTAGE POLICY BEFORE THE CRTC
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Cogeco Diffusion discusses the
music montage policy before the CRTC
Montréal, May 19, 2011 – Cogeco Diffusion appeared today before the Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) with regard to the level of
French-language vocal music broadcast by CKOI-FM. Cogeco Diffusion maintains that station
CKOI-FM has in all respects complied with both the CRTC policy covering music montages as
set out in paragraph 42 of Public Notice CRTC 1998-132, and the Radio Regulations, 1986
provisions covering music montages, contrary to the allegations of the ADISQ in the public file
for the hearing.
“Our analysis showed that the music montages aired by CKOI-FM for the periods targeted
complied with its regulatory requirements regarding French-language vocal music broadcasting.
That being said, these music montages are in line with the tastes and expectations of our
audience, as shown by a recent report titled Enquête sur les goûts musicaux et les habitudes
radiophoniques des Québécois,
1
” stated Cogeco Diffusion Radio Senior Vice President Richard
Lachance.
No current regulatory provision sets guidelines for the duration of a montage or the frequency
with which montages may be aired over a given period. Considering the number of Canadian or
French-language tracks relative to the total number of tracks aired during a broadcast week or
during peak periods, CKOI-FM complies with this aspect of the policy.
According to Cogeco Diffusion, the ADISQ’s accusations concerning CKOI-FM are based on an
interpretation of the regulatory framework applicable to montages that the ADISQ wishes to see
applied rather than the framework as it actually applies.
However, if the CRTC deems that amendments should be made to the rules regarding music
montages, Cogeco Diffusion believes this should be done within an overall process covering all
regulatory measures governing the broadcasting of Canadian and French-language vocal music,
since the elements of the policy are interdependent and intrinsically tied to each other. Naturally,
Cogeco Diffusion would be willing to participate actively in such a process.
An overall review has become all the more necessary because the radio industry is currently
undergoing significant changes. In fact, the draw on francophone listener share to English-
language radio and competition from other platforms, such as the Internet, that have little or no
regulation, are resulting in a migration of listeners toward these platforms and having a harmful
impact on the exposure and listenership of francophone music in general and on the vitality of
the French-language music industry.
1
Ipsos Reid report from a survey commissioned jointly by Cogeco Diffusion with Astral Media Radio Inc. (Astral)
and RNC Média Inc. (RNC) on consumer music and radio habits in the province of Québec.
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ABOUT COGECO DIFFUSION
Cogeco Diffusion is a subsidiary of COGECO Inc., a diversified communications company with
subordinate voting shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGO). Cogeco Diffusion
operates thirteen (13) radio stations across Québec: Rythme FM Montréal, CKOI FM, 98.5, The
Q92.5 FM and CKAC-AM in Montréal, FM 93 and 102.9 FM in Québec City, CKOI FM Gatineau
in Ottawa-Gatineau, CIME-FM in Saint-Jérôme, Rythme FM Sherbrooke and CKOI FM in
Sherbrooke, Rythme FM Trois-Rivières and CKOI FM Trois-Rivières in Trois-Rivières, making it
one of Québec’s largest radio broadcasters.
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Information: Marie Carrier
Director, Corporate Communications
Tel.: 514 764-4761