Sources say CHUM Ltd. is in the final stages of closing its latest foreign franchise deal with a broadcaster in Oslo, Norway.

ChumCity is reportedly in for a minority stake in a startup channel with TV Huset, a Norwegian production company which has majority control of the operation. Huset already has a licence from the government and is plotting an early 1999 launch on uhf and cable. If the agreement goes as planned, the name of the station will be Citytv Oslo.

A program supply deal that includes distribution of the chum six-pack is also part of the deal. CHUMCity International vice-president and general manager Stephen Tapp confirms negotiations are ongoing and anticipates a green light before mid-December.