OTTAWA – The CRTC has officially kicked off its review of the policy framework for local and community television programming.
The Commission said Monday that in addition to building on the determinations made during the Let’s Talk TV proceeding, it hopes that the review will achieve the following outcomes:
– Canadians have access to locally produced and locally reflective programming in a multi-platform environment;
– Both professional and non-professional independent producers and community members have access to the broadcasting system; and
– Locally relevant news and information programming is produced and exhibited within the Canadian broadcasting system.
As per BRP 2015-24 in January, the planned policy review will also include a review of the overall state and funding of locally relevant and locally reflective television programming including community access programming.
Noting that the “business case for local television has changed significantly”, the CRTC said that viewership to local and community access content on traditional platforms remains relatively stable.
“However, Canadians are embracing newer ways of consuming and discovering content. More programming is available on multiple platforms than ever before and Canadians now have access to programming in ways not previously conceived of”, reads Monday’s notice of consultation. “The trend toward targeted and customizable content available on many platforms will continue to shape viewing habits. Locally relevant, locally reflective and community access programming is no less vulnerable to shifting viewing patterns than any other type of programming.”
The notice also called for comments on a number of questions pertaining to local programming and access programming, in both the English- and French-language markets.
The deadline for filing comments is October 29, 2015, and the hearing will begin on January 25, 2016 in Gatineau.
