why can't CJNT-DT request to run a sub-channel on 62.2 that would carry ethnic and even Omni programming?

I suppose they could. But the CRTC's policy is that subchannels have the same obligations as the main one as far as things like local programming, Canadian content and closed captioning. There might not be much of an incentive to invest in it.

Perhaps a more interesting proposition would be for this new ethnic station to propose subchannels that would offer full-time content (OMNI or otherwise) in various languages. A Spanish subchannel, an Arabic subchannel, etc. They might only have room for three or four SD subchannels with a (highly compressed) HD one, but it might be interesting, particularly if it results in those channels getting cable carriage.

How can this new ownership group expect to repeat this model once again, and expect success this time around?

That will be my question to them when I meet them later today. I suspect the CRTC will make this issue one of its biggest concerns in hearing this application as well. Their argument, which is supported by Rogers and Channel Zero, is that rather than a commercial station, they would function as a cooperative, and each program producer would be responsible for their own advertising. As I understand it, this would also mean that the individual producers would absorb losses when the advertising with their shows don't meet their costs. But I'll ask them to clarify.

I would really think that the best way for a ethnic channel in Montreal would be as a sub-channel.

I'm not sure how having the ethnic channel as a subchannel would differ significantly from it having its own transmitter, aside from saving some transmission costs. The real costs to run the station will be programming, not technical.

And it also needs to open the door to OTA stations in Canada running sub-channels. At present, I only know of CJON-DT in St-John's, NL being allowed to run a sub-channel. And in this case, it's running a FM station on it's sub-channel from the same market.

I consider that a special case because it's not really a television channel. The only formally licensed case of a multicast conventional digital television service I know of is one approved last month for community station CFTV in Leamington, Ont., which proposed subchannels that would have more local programming in French and Spanish.

1 - I like the idea that Rogers Media turns CJNT-DT into a full English language station. That way we end up getting a full O&O CityTV station in Montreal. I also like the idea that they create a local morning show. But, why can't CJNT-DT request to run a sub-channel on 62.2 that would carry ethnic and even Omni programming?

2 - This new proposed ethnic station on channel 47 seems a little shaky. When CJNT-TV went on the air in the late 90's, it ran only ethnic programming. That model led the station to change ownership hands several times. And with each ownership change, it seemed as though a request to change it's license came as well to what we currently see in the present day. How can this new ownership group expect to repeat this model once again, and expect success this time around? Even Omni stations across the country run US programs on their schedule to help the bottom line. Do we need a repeat of the problems CJNT-TV went through once more?

I would really think that the best way for a ethnic channel in Montreal would be as a sub-channel. I'm sure if somebody proposed that CJNT-DT's main channel be a english channel running CityTV programming, and that it's sub-channel would be classified as a ethnic licensed additional service, it would be the best of both worlds. A mix of both Omni National programming, plus another 15 or so hours of local Montreal ethnic programming would be the best way to go. And it doesn't even have to run 24/7. There would be no extra transmitter needed, no rental costs associated with the placement of the transmitter on the tower, nor extra costs of electricity since a sub-channel is part of the main channels transmitter signal. Costs are kept down.

I'm not against what the two parties are trying to do. But let's be serious, can a stand alone ethnic station survive in this market? I think a Omni style station as a sub-channel on CJNT-DT would have a better chance of surviving. Because if this proposed new channel 47 fails, CJNT-DT will not go back to running any ethnic programming over the air. Under Rogers Media, I do believe CJNT-DT will survive. But, I doubt that new proposed channel 47 will. Even with some support from Rogers Media.

I think the CRTC needs to look at these changes a little closer. And it also needs to open the door to OTA stations in Canada running sub-channels. At present, I only know of CJON-DT in St-John's, NL being allowed to run a sub-channel. And in this case, it's running a FM station on it's sub-channel from the same market.

There is little here for the CRTC to complain about. It actually seems to suit everything and everyone, except perhaps Bell and Canwest who won't want another competitor in the local market. Too bad for them. Bell lost it's moral position on this when they gutted out CFCF and left it as nothing more than a corporate shell. The station cannot even seem put out a signal without help from Toronto based on where the switching is done.

Good on Rogers. I don't like big players getting bigger, but if you are going to have an elephant fight, you might as well make sure everyone is an elephant.

Would this also make it stronger than CFCF's temporary transmitter was?

It would be very similar. CFCF's temporary digital transmitter on Channel 51 was 6,000 watts ERP on Channel 51 on the same tower. So the signals for this new transmitter should be about the same.

Would this also make it stronger than CFCF's temporary transmitter was?