MuchMusic Documentary Withdrawn from Crave Following Director’s Label Disputes

The premiere of a MuchMusic documentary, previously scrutinized for its use of an extensive music catalog, has been abruptly removed from its scheduled debut on Crave. Bell Media representatives attributed the decision to a scheduling change, providing no further details. The two-hour film, “299 Queen Street West,” delves into the history of MuchMusic using archival footage and voiceovers from the channel’s personalities.

During a roadshow tour last year, the film showcased numerous musical performance clips, featuring artists like Avril Lavigne, Seal, and Noel Gallagher. Director Sean Menard disclosed clashes with major labels, particularly Universal Music Canada, who contested the inclusion of unlicensed music from their artists.

Last October, Universal mentioned ongoing licensing negotiations and clarified that no legal action was being pursued. Menard defended the documentary, stating it used short song snippets falling under fair dealing laws in Canada, akin to fair use laws in the United States. He consulted with a U.S. law firm during post-production to ensure compliance with legal rights.

Menard, known for his 2017 documentary “The Carter Effect,” remained tight-lipped on Monday. The “299 Queen Street West” roadshow concluded in November, with Crave announcing a home premiere date afterward. Requests for comments from Universal Music Canada and Music Canada, representing major labels, went unanswered.

Bell Media declined to elaborate on the reason behind the broadcast and streaming lineup change. Universal, in a statement last fall, revealed the film used 12 tracks owned by the label, offering a licensing rate of $500 per track. The spokesperson emphasized the label’s commitment to protecting artist rights and stated ongoing good-faith negotiations with the film’s legal and production team. As of now, no legal action has been taken.

This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on January 29, 2024. CTV News, a division of Bell Media, is part of BCE Inc.