Incoming CRTC vice-chair grilled by MPs on Conservative connections and lack of experience

By Perry Hoffman

OTTAWA - Tom Pentefountas, the recently appointed vice-chair of broadcasting at the CRTC, stood firm as opposition MPs on the Standing Committee of Canadian Heritage questioned his ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. He said all the right words in his opening remarks, highlighting the challenges facing the CRTC in the face of convergence and the new realities on online viewing. “Convergence is on the verge of erasing the dividing line between broadcasting and telecommunications,” he said. “That is one of our greatest challenges.“Moreover, to face this new reality, the CRTC must implement 25 year old legislation. This...