Videotron is shutting down operations at its MAtv station in Montreal.
The company said the move was being done to “consolidate spending on local news” at its local TVA station.
“Our steadfast support for MAtv over the years demonstrates our commitment to community TV in Québec’s regions,” said Pierre Karl Péladeau, president and CEO of Videotron parent company Quebecor, in a press release. “However, media outlets are operating in a precarious competitive environment and financial resources must be consolidated to protect the long-term viability of our business. We have made this decision regarding MAtv Montreal in order to support the local news programs produced by our over-the-air TVA channel for the benefit of the public.”
MAtv is a network of community stations available to Videotron subscribers, with programming made by and for members of the community.
CRTC regulations allow for large broadcasters to redirect funding from their community TV channels to local television stations. In large markets, like Montreal, companies can redirect all of that funding. In smaller markets, there are limits to how much can be shifted.
MAtv channels in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Granby, Outaouais, Québec City, Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Sherbrooke and Sorel-Tracy will continue broadcasting.
The company said the closing will result in the loss of five positions, with three others also cut at other MAtv stations.
All of Canada’s major broadcasters currently have applications being considered by the CRTC to adjust or eliminate conditions of their broadcast licenses, with several asking for relief on local news requirements. The broadcasters have cited the current volatility in the media industry, as well as a regulatory framework that is not suited to the contemporary industry environment.
In Quebecor’s case, it has applied to eliminate local news quotas at all of its TVA stations, as well as eliminating local programming requirements at TVA Montreal and reducing the local programming requirements at TVA Quebec City. The company also applied to eliminate weekend news broadcasts at TVA Quebec City, a move it briefly planned to move ahead with before receiving CRTC approval.
