OTTAWA-GATINEAU – The CRTC said Monday that it is full speed ahead for the new Canadian Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF) designed to help public interest and consumer groups offset their costs of participating in its broadcasting proceedings.
The independent fund is made possible by $3 million in benefits proposed by BCE when it purchased CTVglobemedia in 2011. The BPF, which incorporates feedback from various consumer groups, will be active within 60 days though the CRTC said that any cost incurred as of now could be included in a cost application.
The Commission also said that the fund will support English and French groups in the research, analysis and advocacy of issues related to its proceedings. In addition, services and documents (such as policies, funding criteria and annual reports) must be provided in both official languages.
"Each year, we hold dozens of public proceedings to gather views from the communications industry and the public," said acting CRTC chairman Leonard Katz, in a statement. "It is important that we receive a wide range of submissions to help shape our broadcasting decisions and policies. This new fund will help ensure that the voices of Canadians are heard through the participation of groups that represent their interests."
The fund will be overseen by a board consisting of an elected broadcasting industry director, a consumer/public interest director, and a jointly approved director. It will also include an audit committee and a governance committee responsible for reviewing the audited annual financial statements, annual report, budget, and business plan of the BPF.
The CRTC already has a similar mechanism in place for individuals and groups representing consumer interests in its telecommunications proceedings.
