Bell Media Plans Spinoff Of Up To 10 Stations To Get Astral Purchase Done

Divesting

In addition to the already announced flip of its Sports CKGM-A (TSN RADIO 990)/MONTREAL to French Sports as RDS RADIO 990 (NET NEWS 7/10), BELL MEDIA will sell off as many as 10 stations in TORONTO, VANCOUVER, CALGARY, OTTAWA, and WINNIPEG to satisfy CRTC concerns over its purchase of ASTRAL MEDIA's stations, reports the GLOBE AND MAIL.

The CRTC will hold hearings in SEPTEMBER on the deal, and the sales will not be initiated until the overall deal closes, BELL MEDIA Pres./Radio and Local Television CHRIS GORDON told the paper, adding, "These are not market forces that make this happen.  But these are the rules now, so it’s not the time to worry about that. It’s simply a case of having to do it.”

« see more Net News