TORONTO, October 1, 2001 (LSN.ca) – On Friday the Canadian government’s broadcast regulator insisted that cable companies treat an all-homosexual channel the same way as all other channels in the same “category 1” services. Denis Carmel, spokesman for the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), told LifeSite that the decision means that during the current free preview period of new satellite channels, PrideVision must be broadcast with all regular programming and not on an opt-in basis.
Shaw Cable, which owns Star Choice, one of Canada’s two satellite companies, presented arguments to the CRTC last week defending its position which required customers to opt in without extra cost to the homosexual channel. Shaw argued that since PrideVision airs erotica, it would be irresponsible to provide the service to households without their permission. Anna McCusker, VP, Marketing for the homosexual channel, said in a press release that she was were “pleased that the Commission made the right decision.”
See the release by PrideVision: https://www.newswire.ca/releases/September2001/28/c2295.html