The rules don't apply to us

For all the talk about Fox News North (or should we be calling it Prison Rape TV?) over the last week, I'm surprised that there doesn't seem to have been much discussion about how Kory Teneycke and company are gleefully ignoring the CRTC's instructions for license applications:

Quebecor is flouting a directive the regulator issued in March stating it would not entertain any applications for the prized (must-carry) carriage status until next year, when the transition from analog to digital broadcasting is finished or at least well underway.

By applying now, industry observers say Quebecor is jumping the line and could be unfairly awarded a classification that few channels will be allowed to enjoy.

Charlotte Bell, senior vice-president of regulatory affairs for Canwest's Global television operations, said she found the timing surprising given the CRTC moratorium, but is watching closely whether or not the commission will change course. Mr. Peladeau seemed sure-footed yesterday, declaring the "new voice" news channel will be available across Canada by January.

About the most generous possible interpretation is that Peladeau expects to go ahead even if he can't get must-carry status (and associated public subsidy). But that doesn't explain the brazen flouting of the rules governing must-carry status - which under most circumstances would seem to be the kiss of death for any application.

Of course, there was already reason to wonder whether Teneycke and company either have already been told that they'll receive privileged treatment, or reasonably assumes that cabinet will overrule the CRTC in order to get a Con propaganda network on the air. But the fact that the network is so openly ignoring the CRTC's rules for everybody else can only elevate those concerns while signalling many more abuses to come.