OTTAWA – The CRTC will launch a public consultation on new media on Thursday – the same day on which it will release a document entitled Perspectives on Canadian Broadcasting in New Media.
CRTC Chair Konrad von Finckenstein told the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on May 13 that the Commission is looking to the public to confirm the CRTC has correctly identified the issues (in the document) and to help it structure a framework for a public hearing to be held in early 2009.
“I would like to be clear on one point. Our interest primarily lies in the distribution of professionally-produced broadcasting content. That is, the same kind of high-quality Canadian content you would normally watch on television or hear on the radio,” he said. “Our ultimate aim is to ensure that broadcasting in new media contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the Broadcasting Act.”
After the CRTC has considered the public’s views, the chair noted, it will issue a notice of public hearing near the end of the summer that outlines the details of the hearing on new media.
Von Finckenstein also told the committee that the CRTC needed the power to levy administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) or fines on broadcasters if they didn’t comply with licence conditions.
“The Commission does not have AMPs powers under the Broadcasting Act. This creates a significant gap in our regulatory toolbox, as we can only impose penalties that are either relatively light or excessively heavy,” he noted.
He added, “A modern regulator needs AMPs powers in all areas under its mandate. If we are to regulate with a lighter hand, and to provide broadcasters and BDUs with more latitude, then we must have the tools to ensure that licensees live up to their responsibilities.”
