In a recent decision, the crtc said it is satisfied that national distribution of tva is warranted and is looking for the most ‘direct and effective’ means by which to leverage carriage. To that end, it is requesting public comment on its proposed use of 9(1)(h) of the Broadcasting Act, which would see all large cable companies and dth operations forced to include tva on their basic packages effective April 1999.

As its conditions of licence, the largest private French-language service in Canada must, in collaboration with independent producers outside Quebec, broadcast a minimum of six special events per year that reflect the francophone ‘reality and experience’ outside Quebec. As part of tva’s network programming, it must also include a weekly 30-minute program about francophone life outside of Quebec.

tva is required to reinvest at least 43% of its profits in programming focusing on francophones outside Quebec, in addition to the required event and weekly programs. The commission also expects tva to expand its news coverage outside Quebec.

Within 60 days of the decision, tva must file a proposal outlining its formula for calculating and identifying excess revenue from national advertising earned through its expanded distribution and the method that will be used to allocate and/or segregate the costs. It also has to produce a draft annual report that shows a revenue and expenditure breakdown.