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, high-speed Internet access has been adopted by most Canadians, new technologies and applications are offering high-quality broadcasting content, and Canadians are spending more time accessing this type of content over the Internet and mobile devices.
“With this proceeding, the Commission wishes to further examine the role of broadcasting in the current new media environment, and what role this environment can be expected to play in the Canadian broadcasting system in the future,” says today’s press release.
The Commission initiated a public consultation in May 2008 to narrow the range of issues that could be considered and further to this consultation, the CRTC now invites comments on specific questions related to:
* The definition of broadcasting in new media
*The significance of broadcasting in new media and its impact on the traditional broadcasting system
* Incentives or regulatory measures for the creation and promotion of Canadian broadcasting content in new media
* Access to broadcasting content in new media
* Other broadcasting or public policy objectives, and
* The appropriateness of the Commission’s exemption orders for new media and mobile broadcasting services.
The deadline for such submissions is December 5th.
