GATINEAU – The CRTC says it has gotten the message loud and clear from Canadians regarding TV commercials that need to lower the volume.
It’s launching a public consultation, after receiving hundreds of complaints, that will seek possible technical and regulatory measures to ensure commercials are not perceived to be louder than the programs they accompany.
"Loud ads on television can disrupt an otherwise enjoyable program and are a source of significant annoyance for Canadians," said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. "Viewers should not have to adjust the volume at every commercial break, and we will work with the broadcasting industry to find an acceptable solution."
In 2009, the Advanced Television Systems Committee adopted a recommended practice to establish and maintain a target loudness level for digital television. Given the development of this international standard, the CRTC is seeking views on:
• how broadcasters currently control the loudness of commercials
• the technical changes, as well as associated costs and practical implications, that would be required to implement the Advanced Television Systems Committee’s recommended practice
• the appropriate timeframe in which any changes should be implemented
• possible regulatory changes required to ensure the effective control of the loudness of commercials, and
• the extent to which technical and regulatory changes are applicable to cable and satellite companies and video-on-demand services.
