OTTAWA – The CRTC should “demand” public accountability from Canada’s broadcasters, the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) said Wednesday.
In reference to this week’s over-the-air hearings before the CRTC, CEP’s vice president of media Peter Murdoch, expressed alarm that the Commission may close the public hearing to the public when it addresses broadcasters’ financial statements.
"How can broadcasters’ claims be challenged when the financials that are key to this entire hearing aren’t available for review?", Murdoch questioned in a statement.
"Broadcasting accountants are experts in shifting revenues, hiding profits and highlighting losses – but instead of an open, transparent and informative CRTC hearing, the financial shell game that broadcasters are playing with the CRTC behind closed doors will keep consumers in the dark," Murdoch continued.
CEP is Canada’s largest media union.
