VANCOUVER — An app flap is brewing between a local software developer and public broadcaster CBC, which has threatened to sue the man for replaying what’s already live-streamed over the Internet and public airwaves.

Cory Alder developed a radio player and posted it for sale for $3 in the Mac App Store online on Aug. 10. Thirteen days later he received a “cease and desist” letter from CBC lawyers, ordering him to remove the app.

Alder admitted his initial app contained CBC in its description and used the public broadcaster’s logo. However, he quickly updated and renamed it Canadian Radio Player. His app, he said, is essentially a radio receiver and simply tunes into those same radio signals streamed online.

Still, CBC is not happy and has again ordered him to remove his app and threatened to sue.

“They are citing copyright infringement but they can’t actually point to anything specific,” said Alder, an independent developer who’s produced such popular iPhone apps as CatPaint that’s been used by Hollywood celebrities.

“This story is of concern to all Canadians, because it’s about our public broadcaster trying to control how we listen to their broadcasts.

“I believe this exemplifies that, at least their legal department, has a hostile attitude towards openness and access to content.”

Alder developed the app because he loves CBC radio, but not the player used to broadcast the station over the Internet.

Alder said he is angry his own tax dollars are being used to fund a legal challenge against him.

CBC/Radio-Canada receives $1.1 billion in federal funding annually.

“I’m paying for this lawyer who’s trying to shut me down. It’s a little ironic.”

He called the CBC's decision bad policy and a “misuse of their mandate.”

CBC lawyer Dan Ciraco, who’s handling the case, could not be reached for comment.