This week the CRTC approved Uvagut TV’s mandatory distribution application, making it the nation’s first 24-hour Inuktut television channel. This decision means that Uvagut TV will be carried on basic cable packages from coast to coast across Canada to 10 million cable subscribers.

The channel, which is owned and operated by Nunavut Independent Television (NITV), will exclusively broadcast Inuit-created Inuktut content. According to NITV, this expansion will provide more meaningful employment for Inuit, more language preservation and increased public transparency.

“This is a historic moment for all Inuit,” said NITV executive director Lucy Tulugarjuk. “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 CRTC’s 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.

With files from Kelly Townsend, Playbackonline.