OTTAWA — Saying “Bill C-10 is good for Canada”, 30 broadcasting, production and music industry organizations have come together to purchase ad space in The Hill Times, Toronto Star and Le Journal de Montréal to release an open letter calling on the federal government to pass Bill C-10, the bill aimed at updating the Broadcasting Act for the digital age.
They weren’t alone with an open letter, or urgent C-10 appeal.
Starting today, full-page ads (see above) are appearing in the publications, with the letter’s signatories including the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), the Association Québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM), the Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CDCE), ACTRA, Directors Guild of Canada (DGC), Writers Guild of Canada (WGC), the Black Screen Office, the Indigenous Screen Office, Unifor, the Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) and Women In Film and Television (WIFT).
“Modernizing Canada’s Broadcasting Act is long overdue,” reads the letter. “The legislation has not been updated since it was introduced 30 years ago, and it has not kept up with transformative changes in technology and consumer expectations over the past three decades.
“By giving a free ride to foreign streaming services, the current law and related regulations favour global digital platforms over our own broadcasters, producers, musicians and creators, placing many of them at risk,” continues the letter.
“Bill C-10 is a critical first step towards rules that are fair and effective, and reflect the modern-day media landscape. Delaying this important legislation further will only strengthen foreign digital players at the expense of our distinct Canadian voices.
“It’s time to get on with modernizing broadcasting rules in Canada,” concludes the letter.
