The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has added the channel Uvagut TV as part of the basic TV package in Canada.

Launched in 2021, Uvagut TV is operated by the Nunavut Independent Television Network (NITV) and airs various programs in Inuktut, including children’s series, documentaries, current affairs programs and films. It was granted mandatory distribution by the Commission at a wholesale rate of $0.09 per subscriber effective Jan. 20, 2025.

“This is a historic moment for all Inuit,” said NITV executive director Lucy Tulugarjuk in a statement. “We believe Uvagut TV is so important to help preserve our language, culture and heritage. As our elders pass away one by one, we are fighting against time to keep our culture, our beliefs and language alive for our children and grandchildren. Having Inuktut TV is a powerful way to keep a living language for future generations.”

The decision was issued as part of the Commission’s consideration of the broadcast licences of both Ugavut TV and Inuit TV, which launched in 2022 and is operated by Inuit TV Network (ITN). The licences were approved and are in effect until Aug. 31, 2029.

While both channels were granted licences, the CRTC denied a mandatory distribution request from Inuit TV, arguing that Uvagut TV was the stronger candidate since it already runs on a 24-hour broadcast schedule, while Inuit TV currently runs for five hours per day with plans to increase to 18 within the next 12 months. Inuit TV will instead operate as a licensed discretionary channel.

A spokesperson for Inuit TV told Playback Daily they were still reviewing the CRTC’s decision at press time.

The CRTC published the dissenting opinion of Claire Anderson, commissioner for British Columbia and the Yukon, who disagreed with the decision to not grant mandatory distribution to Inuit TV.

“Our job should not be to pick the successful storytellers and producers, but to provide an environment where Indigenous talents may flourish,” wrote Anderson. “Since the evidence was more conclusive that Inuit TV would cease operating without a mandatory distribution order, I would have granted the mandatory distribution order to Inuit TV. In addition, I would have facilitated a process where Inuit rightsholders could provide input prior to the decision.”

The Commission did not impose a requirement for programs of national interest for either channel as part of their broadcast licence conditions of service.

For Uvagut TV, the Commission proposed its Canadian programming expenditure requirements come to 60% of gross revenues in the first year of the licence term, increasing to 65% in year two, 70% in year three and 75% in years four and five.

It is also required to devote five hours of live community affairs or news programming in Inuktut per week; ensure at least 80% of programming is in Inuktut; and that at least 90% of the broadcast day and 85% of the broadcast evening is dedicated to Canadian programs.

For Inuit TV, the Commission ordered that the channel devote at least 10% of the previous year’s gross revenue to the acquisition or investment in Canadian programming.

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