OpenMedia.ca Welcomes Al Jazeera English Decision

OpenMedia.ca welcomes the diversity Al Jazeera English will bring to Canada’s media landscape

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CRTC issued its long-awaited decision today on whether to allow Al Jazeera English (AJE) to broadcast in Canada. OpenMedia.ca applauds the CRTC's approval of AJE's application.

Last May OpenMedia.ca launched a campaign urging Canadians to contact the CRTC in support of Al Jazeera English’s (AJE) application to broadcast in Canada.

Of the more than 2,600 public comments submitted to the CRTC, only 40 parties filed comments in opposition to bringing the broadcaster to Canada.

“The CRTC's approval of Al Jazeera English’s application to broadcast in Canada will increase the diversity of Canada’s media landscape. AJE is
renowned for representing a diversity of voices from around the world and for its fearless, unembedded reporting in the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Palestine,” says Anita Krajnc, a member of OpenMedia.ca's Steering Committee.

The ‘Al Jazeera effect’ has already diversified Arab media with its forthright and daring journalism since it was launched in 2006. Now with the ability to broadcast in Canada, AJE will introduce a much needed global southern perspective.

OpenMedia.ca co-founder Steve Anderson says, “This is good news for media diversity in Canada and we look forward to AJE opening a bureau
soon.” Anderson adds, “Now that AJE is listed as an ‘eligible’ service in Canada, the next step is for Canadian cable and satellite companies to carry this global news service. Clearly there is a demand for the diversity and quality of journalism that AJE represents.”

Canadians can tell cable and satellite companies to carry AJE by visiting IwantAJE.net

Canadians can find out more about this and other pressing media issues at: http://OpenMedia.ca

For more information, please contact:

Anita Krajnc - [email protected], (416) 825-6080

or

Steve Anderson, OpenMedia.ca
National Coordinator -
[email protected], (604) 837-5730