Torstar Corp. and CanWest Global are appealing the decision by the CRTC to award a new television licence to Calgary-based Craig Broadcasting Systems for the southern Ontario market.

In a petition filed May 21, Torstar asked the federal cabinet to refer the decision brought down April 8 back to the CRTC for review.

‘The CRTC’s decision was an anomalous one, inconsistent with the objectives of the Broadcasting Act, the commission’s prior decisions and [the] commission’s call for proposals,’ stated Torstar CEO Robert Prichard.

Winnipeg-based CanWest also filed its appeal the same day citing similar reasons.

The two media companies joined Stan Keyes, Liberal member of Parliament representing Hamilton West, and television producer Alan Aylward in asking cabinet for a review.

All appeals had to be filed by May 23. Cabinet then has 45 days to decide whether to deny the appeals, ask the commission to review its decision or quash it all together.