CRTC approves S-VOX purchase of stations in Vancouver, Winnipeg

TORONTO - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has approved the acquisition of local television stations CHNU-TV in Vancouver and CIIT-TV in Winnipeg by Christian Channel Inc., a division of Toronto-based S-VOX.

S-VOX entered into an agreement to acquire the two stations from Rogers Media Inc. in November 2007.

Said Bill Roberts, President and CEO of S-VOX: "This is an important step forward for our organization. The addition of these two outstanding properties will advance S-VOX's standing as Canada's leading provider of programming content on spirituality, faith, personal growth and wellness."

The CRTC decision relieves S-VOX of the requirement to provide a tangible benefits package equal to 10 percent of the value of the transaction, based on the Commission's exemption for small-market stations. The CRTC also amended certain conditions of licence for the two stations related to ethnic programming and the simulcasting of foreign content during peak time.

Said Mr. Roberts: "Small and independent broadcasters contribute significantly to diversity and consumer choice in the television marketplace. We are thankful to the Commission for recognizing that such broadcasters require a degree of regulatory flexibility so that they may compete on a level playing field."

S-VOX has engaged Toronto-based marketing agencies Cundari SFP and Loopmedia to undertake the rebranding of the two stations.

To review the CRTC decision in full, please see: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2008/db2008-71.htm

S-VOX (www.s-vox.com) is a diversified multimedia enterprise that offers high-quality television and digital content for individuals seeking spiritual awareness and personal growth. S-VOX properties include: VisionTV, Canada's multi-faith and multicultural television broadcaster, along with the digital television services One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel and The Christian Channel. Other ventures include: Vision TV International, a partnership with Toronto-based Ellis Entertainment that develops, produces and distributes original programming for the global marketplace; and Christian Media Sales, a product marketing and media buying company.