OTTAWA – When current video on demand licenses come up for renewal in the next few years, the CRTC should re-examine the whole regulatory framework of such services, says the Canadian Association of Broadcasters.
In a submission to the CRTC saying it didn’t oppose in principle an application by SaskTel to create a community channel to be distributed on demand, the CAB added the SaskTel application "represents yet another example of how the nature of VOD is evolving as it becomes an increasingly important element of the Canadian broadcasting system."
The association also pointed out that the VOD licences currently held by broadcasting distribution undertakings will expire between 2007 and 2010. "When originally licensed, these VOD services were conceived primarily as additional windows for the broadcast of feature films. Today, they have become windows for a variety of programming categories, raising licensing, advertising and program rights issues and related questions about the currency of the regulatory framework for VOD," says the CAB letter, authored by vice-president television, specialty and pay services, Wayne Charman.
"As the marketplace for VOD services continues to develop beyond that originally envisaged, the CAB submits that, before engaging in the renewal process for existing VOD licensees, it would be appropriate for the Commission to undertake a review of the regulatory framework to ensure that it remains relevant in light of the changing nature of VOD services."
