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The CRTC regulates what prices cable television companies are allowed to charge, as well as which channels they must or may offer. They give priority to Canadian signals—many non-Canadian channels which compete with Canadian channels are thus banned. As well, when a Canadian network licenses a television show from an American network and shows it in the same time slot, cable companies must replace the show on the American channel with the broadcast of the Canadian channel (along with any overlays and commercials). This explains why Canadians don't see the popular American Super Bowl advertisements even when watching an American network.

In 2004, the CRTC was involved in three controversial decisions:

1. CHOI: The CRTC announced it would not renew the license of the popular CHOI radio station in Quebec, after receiving about 50 complaints about offensive behavior by radio jockeys. Many thousands of the station's fans have marched in the streets against the decision, and are organizing a march on Parliament Hill.
2. RAI: This Italian station was banned on the grounds that it would compete with Telelatino , a station which already produces shows in Italian. Many Italian-Canadians who either prefer RAI or cannot receive Telelatino are using " grey market" satellite dishes of dubious legality, which pick up signals from the United States, in order to watch RAI.
3. Al Jazeera: Despite concerns over possible anti-semitic incitement on this station, it has been approved by the CRTC as an optional cable offering. However, the CRTC is demanding that any carrier which shows Al Jazeera must edit out any instances of hate speech. Many in the Arabic community feel frustrated, since it seems unlikely that any cable company will carry the station under such restrictions. The Canadian Jewish Congress has expressed its opinion that the restrictions are appropriate, while the Canadian B'nai BrithThe Independent Order of B'nai Brith ( Hebrew: "Sons of the Covenant") is the oldest continually-operating Jewish service organization in the world. It was founded in New York City by Henry Jones and 11 others on October 13, 1843. The organization is enga is opposed to any approval of Al Jazeera in Canada. Again, many Canadians are using grey market dishes to receive the station without regulation.

In addition, the CRTC's apparent reluctance to grant a digital licence to Fox News had angered many conservative Canadians who believed the network was being kept out due to its perceived conservative biasLiberal bias and conservative bias should both be merged and redirected to Media bias. Conservative bias is the mirror image of liberal bias, a belief that the media is biased in favor of conservative views. Rarely spoken of directly, liberals tend to ref. The fact that services such as CNN and BBC WorldCorporate logo of BBC World. Usage restricted. Trademarks on this page belong to their owner. See Image use policy. BBC World is the British Broadcasting Corporation's 24-hour international current affairs TV channel with news, documentaries, lifestyle pr had been available in Canada for many years helped to fuel these arguments. However, on November 18November 18 is the 322nd day of the year (323rd in leap years), with 43 remaining. Events 1095 The Council of Clermont began. The council was called by Pope Urban II to discuss sending the First Crusade to the Holy Land. 1302 Pope Boniface VIII issued the, 2004 the CRTC approved an application by Fox News to offer its services to Canadians.