Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) renewed the broadcasting licence of The Weather Network and MétéoMédia until 2018. These services will continue to be offered to every television subscriber as long as conditions related to the creation of a national emergency alert system are met.

Pelmorex Communications, which operates the two weather channels, has made specific commitments to improve The Weather Network and MétéoMédia’s ability to provide weather forecasts, road safety information and other important messages to viewers. During the new licence term, it will:

– create three new regional feeds by December 1, 2012
– launch high-definition versions of The Weather Network and MétéoMédia
– increase the amount allocated to the production of Canadian programming to at least 44% of its annual gross revenues, and
– ensure its programming continues to be 100% Canadian.

In addition, the CRTC has supported the creation of a national system to quickly warn Canadians of severe storms and other events that could endanger lives. In 2009, it authorized Pelmorex to collect emergency alerts and distribute them to participating cable and satellite systems, television and radio broadcasters and other media outlets. Pelmorex will continue its efforts to establish and operate a national public alerting system to enhance the safety of Canadians.

The Weather Network and MétéoMédia will be offered as part of the basic television package for the duration of the new licence term provided that Pelmorex:

– ensures the appropriate federal, provincial and territorial organizations, including Environment Canada, are authorized to issue alerts through its system by January 1, 2012
– takes all necessary steps to ensure the participation of broadcasters and broadcasting distributors in the provision of emergency alerts to Canadians, and
spends at least $1 million per year, over a two-year period, on a national campaign to increase public awareness of the alerting system.

Today’s decision follows a proceeding that included a public hearing, which was held on February 8 and 9, 2011.

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2011-438 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-438.htm