Cogeco Threatens to Sue CRTC Over Quebecor Radio Deal Delay

Cogeco is warning it may take the CRTC to court over a delay in deciding whether Quebecor’s online radio station QUB can continue airing on 99.5 FM in Montreal.

The dispute stems from a deal between Quebecor and Leclerc Communication, which allows QUB Radio to be broadcast over the air from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. The move, launched in August 2024, effectively replaced music station WKND 99.5 FM—and was done without regulatory approval.

Cogeco filed a complaint last fall, and major broadcasters including Bell Media and Golden West Broadcasting have since backed the call for the CRTC to intervene. “If the commission fails to act, it will shake the confidence of broadcasters in the fair, transparent and timely enforcement of the rules,” wrote Robin Hildebrand of Golden West to the commission.

In a letter obtained by the National Post, Cogeco’s legal chief Paul Cowling accused the CRTC of dragging its feet, saying its inaction is “unfounded, unreasonable and harms the entire Canadian media ecosystem.”

Leclerc insists it is complying with regulations, while Quebecor defends the programming deal as beneficial. “This agreement is solely a programming agreement,” said Quebecor’s Peggy Tabet, adding that it “promotes diversity by adding a new voice to over-the-air radio.”

The CRTC says the delay stems from “a series of extension and confidentiality requests,” and a decision will be made “in due course.”

But Cogeco says it will take the CRTC to court if there’s no decision within 30 business days. “This legal avenue seems particularly opportune to us,” wrote Cowling.

As for Quebecor, it wants the CRTC to quickly reject the request to block its QUB Radio from airing on 99.5 FM.