CRTC APPROVES NEW NETWORK
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has approved an application by Television Northern Canada Incorporated to operate the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). Effective Sept. 1, 1999, APTN will be distributed nationally as part of the basic service packages offered by large and mid-size cable companies, direct-to-home satellite broadcasting systems as well as multipoint distribution systems. APTN is also authorized to charge a maximum monthly fee of 15 cents per subscriber. Under the terms of its licence, APTN will broadcast 120 hours of programming each week in English, French and up to 15 different Aboriginal languages. Programming will be targeted to a variety of age groups and interests and will include children's shows, educational programming, cultural and current affairs, drama, music, comedy, documentary features, discussion programs, political coverage and special events.