New media hearing set for February 17th

GATINEAU – The much talked-about CRTC hearing into new media has been scheduled for February 17th, the Commission announced this morning. While commissioner Michel Arpin recently said the Regulator does not want to regulate new media, the proceeding, according to the Commission is being undertaken “to gain a better understanding of broadcasting in the new media environment.” In 1999, the Commission exempted from regulation services that distribute broadcasting content over the Internet because 11 years ago, broadcasting on the Internet was nearly non-existent. In 2007, it also exempted broadcasting services that are received through cell phones and other mobile devices. Today,...