To Ensure Survival of TQS, the Government of Canada Will Not Refer Decision Back to CRTC

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Sep 05 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of
Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced that the
Government of Canada has decided not to refer back to the Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC) decision of
June 26, 2008, concerning the renewal of TQS network licences.

"As a responsible government, we have taken into consideration the
viewers' interests, local information, and the economic viability of
TQS," said Minister Verner. "Under the current circumstances, we are
making the best and the only conceivable decision to ensure the diversity
of voices in the French-language television market, as well as the
network's survival and growth. Our Government is engaged in assuring a
strong Canadian broadcasting system, a strong production sector, and to
the creation of quality Canadian content that is accessible to all."

"Although the Broadcasting Act and CRTC policies do not require
broadcasters to carry a specific level of local programming and news, the
CRTC has made an exception and required TQS to broadcast local
programming and news," added the Minister. "The decision made by the CRTC
is in line with the Government's support of the importance of maintaining
a locally or regionally produced information service."

"Our objective is to enable TQS to rebuild its audience and improve its
financial position, so that Francophones can continue to have access to a
third general-interest television network and a diversity of voices and
news."

For more information, please consult the following websites:

- CRTC decision of June 26, 2008:
www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/news/releases/2008/r080626.htm

- Broadcasting Act (see section 28 for details concerning written
petitions and motions of the Governor in Council):
www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/legal/broad.htm

This news release is available on the Internet at
www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women and
Minister for La Francophonie
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
819-997-7788

Canadian Heritage
Media Relations
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155

Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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