At a recent meeting of CJFE's Board of Directors, a motion was passed unanimously supporting the application of Al Jazeera English to be broadcast without restrictions in Canada.
(CJFE/IFEX) – (Toronto, June 8, 2009) – Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) urges the CRTC to allow Al Jazeera English Television to be broadcast in Canada.
CJFE sent a letter in support of the application urging the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to approve ECGL’s (Ethnic Channels Group Limited) request for the addition of Al Jazeera English to the lists of eligible satellite services for distribution on a digital basis. CJFE also called for the CRTC to allow their signal to be broadcast without the provision of delay or monitoring.
“CJFE believes that the English service of Al Jazeera brings coverage from parts of the world which western media does not cover, particularly in many conflict situations. It is important that Canadians, if they choose, have the opportunity to access this,” stated CJFE President Arnold Amber. “That’s what free expression is all about — giving people the information they may need to make sound judgments about world events and issues.”
Al Jazeera English is a global English-language, all-news channel broadcast in 100 countries around the world. Al Jazeera’s English and Arabic services have a combined total of 69 news bureaus in places such as Kuala Lumpur, Doha, London and Washington.
At CJFE’s most recent meeting of the Board of Directors on May 27, 2009, a motion was passed unanimously supporting the application of Al Jazeera English to be broadcast without restrictions in Canada.
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is an association of more than 300 journalists, editors, publishers, producers, students and others who work to promote and defend free expression and press freedom in Canada and abroad.
