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186 Main
Street Toronto, Ontario
Tel:(416) 693-7400 Email: srtv at srtv.ca Web site: srtv.ca November 13, 2001 Press ReleaseFor immediate release, Toronto:
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| Weary from the
ongoing battle with the Canadian Radio-Television and
Telecommunications Commission, Jan Pachul's fight to keep his
Star Ray TV channel servicing the east end of Toronto has
made him more determined than ever to expose the undemocratic
practices of what is possibly, the most important regulatory
agency in the country. At a CRTC hearing in Hull on September 19, Pachul defended himself against a charge that he was "operating a broadcasting undertaking without a licence." The CRTC determined that he was guilty of that "crime" and in a letter dated October 26, demanded that he "cease and desist" operating his free, channel 15 community TV station. "It was a kangaroo court," says Pachul, "designed to shut me down at a time when they aren't accepting any low powered TV applications while they ‘study' low power. They seem to be bending and making new rules whenever they feel like it; in many cases to suit the requests of established broadcasters who control the system." Denis Carmel, the media spokesperson for CRTC concurs that Pachul will not be given a license while "the study" is in process. He says, "We are looking at ways to provide low power stations, and how to do a better job of serving local communities." He adds that, "the results may be ready by the end of the year", but there is no indication of how the process of granting licenses will be made more democratic. Meanwhile, Pachul has applied for a Judicial Review of CRTC actions with the Federal Court of Appeals and their decision is pending. He remains adamant in his intention to keep his TV service going. "I'm not just going to lie down and die," he says, "I'm going to keep on fighting." The crux of the issue, and the question that really needs to be answered is "Who has the right to decide what should be on Canadian airwaves?" Is it just a handful of industry insiders that are allowed to engage in broadcasting activities, or does the public have a right to be allowed the freedom to create and broadcast content that they want? It is shameful for Canada to be forced into having this debate, when the U.S., Russia, and even, China have community TV stations. Star Ray TV provides programming that is not available elsewhere in Toronto and despite presentations at the hearing, and many letters of support from communities across Canada, the CRTC refuses to do the right thing and grant Pachul a license. However elected officials, business owners, and the community at large are coming together to apply pressure for changes. It is widely recognized that the unacceptable practices of the CRTC have caused immense hardship to Jan Pachul, everyone working at the station, and the entire community. For more information visit the Star Ray TV site at www.srtv.on.ca. If you would like to show your support for Star Ray TV, write to your M.P. and voice your opinion. Together we can make a difference. -30- For more information, please contact Jan Pachul
directly at |
Star Ray TV