Independent broadcaster Channel Zero Inc. is seeking a license to operate an all-business radio station in Toronto.
The firm says that its proposed station, known as Biz88, would offer business programming targeted at individual investors, and small- and medium-size enterprises. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has scheduled a hearing for May 7 to consider 23 new license applications for the Toronto area, including Biz88.
Today, the company announced a public campaign to solicit grass-root support for its bid. The deadline for submissions to the CRTC is April 2.
Among the examples of possible programming promised on the proposed channel’s website (biz88.ca) is a call-in show hosted by a “high-profile investment advisor” addressing various personal finance issues; along with pre-market and closing bell coverage, shows focused on entrepreneurs, business in Toronto, and Asian business news.
“Business is a missing radio format in Toronto and in Canada overall. Toronto radio reports more sports than business, and for the home of our nation’s largest capital market this is truly absurd,” said Bryan Woodruff, general manager of radio at Channel Zero, in a release. “With personal debt levels peaking and heightened concern over the impact global markets will have on all of us here at home, there’s never been a more critical time to launch this type of station.”
“The 23 applicants include stations who don’t like their current signal (although they already have one), more music, a couple of talk stations and multi-cultural formats of which there are nine already in the market,” he added. “I just can’t imagine a more important or unique format for the listeners of Toronto.”