OTTAWA – The CRTC is taking a tougher stance on television services found to be in non-compliance with its logging requirements.
TV services are required to file a program log or computer record of all programming aired in a month within 30 days after the end of each month, which must also include a certificate attesting to the accuracy of its contents. Currently, licensees that fail to do so receive a letter of non-compliance from Commission staff requesting the submission of the appropriate logs. If the non-compliance continues after the receipt of this letter, licensees receive further letters from Commission staff again requesting the submission of the appropriate logs.
The Commission said Tuesday that it is modifying its approach so that a second letter, if required, will come from the Secretary General and could include regulatory sanctions such as returning applications for new services to the licensee, imposing a condition for contributions towards an independent Canadian production fund, or, initiating a mandatory order proceeding.
The CRTC also said that it will note any non-compliance with regulatory requirements in the next renewal decision for the affected television services, which could result in a short-term renewal.
