CHUM Limited has signed an agreement with RadioScape to develop a digital radio receiver for its proposed CHUM Subscription Radio Canada (CSRC). CHUM’s application for a broadcasting licence for a national multi-channel terrestrial subscription radio system, CSRC, is currently before the CRTC.
Under the terms of the agreement, CHUM Limited and RadioScape will work together to specify the digital radio receiver and broadcast infrastructure solutions needed to deploy subscription radio services. If a licence is granted to CHUM, RadioScape will supply broadcasting and receiving technology and equipment to be used by CSRC.
“RadioScape is a respected global DAB broadcast service and receiver technology provider that supports the world’s largest digital radio networks,” said Paul Ski, Executive Vice President Radio, CHUM Limited. “We are pleased to be able to leverage RadioScape’s extensive expertise in this area to provide consumers with a truly Canadian owned and operated subscription digital radio service. CSRC will deliver the best possible content while promoting and supporting the Canadian music industry.”
“We are delighted to be given the opportunity to work with CHUM on the deployment of CSRC in Canada,” said John Hall, CEO of RadioScape. “Our expertise in Software Defined Radio solutions for receivers and broadcast infrastructure means that incorporating the enhancements for subscription radio services is a straightforward exercise. The flexibility of our platforms means that companies can easily add new capabilities that exploit the power and success of radio’s evolution into the digital domain.”
CHUM filed its application for CSRC to the CRTC in February 2004. If approved, CSRC, a Canadian owned, controlled and operated terrestrial based subscription radio service, will deliver 50 growing to 100 channels of unique content, all with CRTC prescribed levels of Canadian Content, for a monthly fee of $9.95. The channels will feature a diverse mix of programming developed by and for Canadian audiences, where Canadian artists feature prominently. Channels will include contemporary and niche music formats, francophone, multilingual and ethnic programming, and content from around the world.