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From: Kristiana Clemens klc@radio.fm To: procedure@crtc.gc.ca; srtv@srtv.on.ca Subject: Intervention Re: Star Ray TV Date: Monday, August 20, 2001 11:56 AM To Whom it May Concern, I am writing in support of Star Ray TV, an independent, community-based television station here in Toronto that has been denied a broadcast license by the CRTC. As a citizen of Canada, I find it reprehensible that the public body regulating the issuance of broadcast licenses would rule against one of the few community-based television initiatives to appear in this country in the last decade. As a broadcaster committed to the growth and development of alternative, not-for-profit, community-based media, I am deeply disturbed by the trend toward censorship of community expression that the Star Ray decision reflects. In an era of increasing convergence and monopoly among Canada's profit-driven media conglomerates, efforts such as those made by Star Ray TV are essential alternatives to a homogenous and highly commercialized mainstream. In terms of serving the public interest, of freedom of expression and of consumer choice it seems obvious that a station like Star Ray could make an invaluable contribution to Canadian culture. To have a station like Star Ray refused a license on the basis that its programming could "interfere" with the work of a corporate giant like Rogers forces me to question the judgement, motivation and validity of the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission. I hope that the commission will reconsider its decision in this instance and show some measure of support for those rare and passionate organizations seeking to create media alternatives for Canadians. Sincerely, Kristiana Clemens |