Whereas, The Canadian Broadcasting Act requires the programming provided by the Canadian Broadcasting System to present a reasonable, balanced opportunity for the expression of differing views on matters of public concern;
and,
Whereas, The Canadian Radio-Television-Telecommunications Commission has interpreted this to mean that the public property comprised by the Radio and Television frequency spectrum should not be used for narrow or sectarian interests, but should serve the diversity of the needs, interests and beliefs in the community the station is to serve; and,
Whereas, The concept of free-time religious broadcasting is traditional in Canada and is basic in the interpretation of the Canadian Broadcasting Act; and,
Whereas, Following a Public Hearing in January 1982 on the issue of religious broadcasting, the Canadian Radio-Television-Telecommunications Commission is considering its policy of granting licenses to religious and special interest groups, and the concept of free-time religious broadcasting is in jeopardy; be it,
RESOLVED, That the National Council of Women of Canada express to the Canadian Radio- Television-Telecommunications
Commission their support of the established criteria for the granting of licenses for Radio and Television frequencies;
and be it,
RESOLVED, That each station, network and cable-outlet be required to air a minimum of public service Canadian-made
programmes of a religious nature which together will serve the diversity of religious needs, interests and beliefs
represented in the particular communities it is licensed to serve.