Montra006c, Friday, September 5, 2003 Quebecs Provincial Council for the Communications Sector (PCCS) is pleased that one of the provinces largest communications companies, Radiomd0069a, is being bought by Quebec radio station CKAC. PCCS president Jacques Denomm 0069s relieved that the company wasnt purchased by communications giant Quebecor Media, which was embroiled in a long strike with CUPE that ended in May.
Since the purchase involves an independent group, we can expect it will be easier to defend editorial independence, while avoiding the traps of cross-media ownership, says Denomm.0020An independent AM network in Quebec represents another voice in the effort to maintain the diversity of information sources.
The new owners of Radiomd0069a are Sylvain Chamberland, director of CKAC, and Gat0061n Morin, editor. CUPE says the fact that Chamberland comes from the information industry is a plus. He knows and appreciates quality information, so its a good start, says Denomm.0020 We must wait and see if the development plan will include the necessary investments to produce regular in-depth, stimulating and diversified news programming. The challenges remain, but our members are prepared to give the new organization a chance.
CUPE represents 7,000 members in communications in Qub0065c (Radio-Canada, Rs0065au TVA, Global, TQS, Radiomd0069a, Telus, Videotron, Cogeco, NFB, Journal de qub0065c, etc.) CUPE is also active in other sectors including health and social services, education, urban and air transportation, provincial corporations and public organizations, hydroelectricity and the municipalities. With close to 100,000 members, CUPE is the largest FTQ affiliate.
This press release and other information are posted on the Internet at scfp.qc.ca
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SOURCE: CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES (FTQ)