OTTAWA–GATINEAU – The CRTC is launching a proceeding to examine the framework for French-language vocal music (FVM) in order to foster its discovery, promotion, creation and consumption in the digital era.
Noting that Canadians’ consumption habits are changing thanks to new broadband-driven technologies, streaming music services, and a trend that sees some listeners migrating from French-language stations to English-language ones, the Commission said Monday that the goal of the proceeding is to ensure that French-language content is present in music programming and to provide French-language vocal music listeners with access to programming that reflects their needs, interests and culture.
The CRTC…
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OTTAWA – There is broad consensus among the smaller Internet providers, consumers groups and local governments that high speed Internet is a critical part of Canadian society and the economy. They are now telling the CRTC that it should take the steps necessary to include broadband as part of the basic service objective and find ways to ensure its rollout is funded by the industry and government.
As the Canadian Network Operators Consortium (CNOC) noted in its July 14 submission to the CRTC’s review of basic telecommunications services, broadband has a “prominent influence” on Canada’s economic, social and cultural identity.
“Broadband…
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MONTREAL – Could Vidéotron be forced to refund cash to its TV subscribers for failing to give them proper community access television?
A grassroots community TV group that got the CRTC to declare Videotron’s MAtv community channel non-compliant with regulations has filed a class action lawsuit against the company on behalf of all subscribers in the greater Montreal area. The group is seeking a refund of part of the two per cent of gross revenues that are redirected to MAtv for greater Montreal over the past three years (roughly $4 total per subscriber), plus moral and punitive damages of $2…
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OTTAWA – The CRTC has kicked off a call for comments on proposed amendments to the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations in order to implement some decisions from the recent Let’s Talk TV proceeding.
Among other things, the Commission said that the amendments seek to:
– provide Canadians with access to a small entry-level service offering (basic service) and pick-and-pay and flexible package options;
– eliminate genre protection to allow more programming flexibility, while streamlining the licensing regime for discretionary services;
– ensure that a diversity of voices is offered to Canadians by requiring that vertically integrated distributors offer one English- or French-language independent service for…
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OTTAWA – The CRTC has announced plans to give Canada’s 9-1-1 networks a stress test and then decide whether to mandate 9-1-1 network quality-of-service standards.
Canadians have access to either Basic or Enhanced 9-1-1 service through wireline, wireless, and voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone services in areas where 9-1-1 call centres, also known as public safety answering points (PSAPs), have been established by provincial, territorial, or municipal governments. The Commission said Thursday that it wants to proactively review the reliability and resiliency of 9-1-1 networks and various elements in light of significant service disruptions to 9-1-1 services in the…
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OTTAWA – A sharp increase in telecommunications prices over the past year combined with slower economic growth are affecting Canadian consumers' ability to afford their current telecom services, according to The Conference Board of Canada.
In the latest Outlook for Canada's Telecommunications Industry report, telecommunications industry revenues are forecast to increase by only 2.3% this year, the smallest increase since the 2009 recession, while the industry's GDP is expected to expand by less than 1%.
The telecommunications price index rose by almost 5% in 2014, most likely driven by wireless price increases associated with the adoption of…
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OTTAWA – Spending on tangible public benefits related to the acquisition of regulated Canadian broadcast television assets increased by 27%, or $29.9 million, to $138.7 million in the 2013-2014 broadcast year, according to new research from Ottawa-based research firm Boon Dog Professional Services.
Of the $138.7 million in television benefits spent in 2013-2014 (the broadcast year ended August 31, 2014), 87% or $120.9 million went to on-screen/programming-related initiatives — primarily the creation of new Canadian programming — and the remaining 13% or $17.8 million went to social initiatives such as funding for digital television upgrades, training programs, and…
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MONTREAL – Quebec public safety channel Avis de recherche has filed an application in Federal Court for a judicial review of the CRTC’s decision two years ago refusing its mandatory carriage renewal application.
The French-language category B service bills itself as a public interest service due to its programming dedicated to public safety and prevention, as well as police bulletins on wanted suspects and missing persons. The CRTC did not renew its mandatory spot on digital basic in Quebec in August 2013, a move that baffled and distressed founder and president Vincent Geracitano, as Cartt.ca reported.
With its mandatory distribution…
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OTTAWA–GATINEAU – Porter Airlines has agreed to pay $150,000 as part of a settlement over violations to Canada's anti-spam legislation, plus promised to improve its compliance program, the CRTC said Monday.
The Commission investigated the regional carrier for allegedly sending some commercial emails that failed to comply with various requirements of Canada’s anti-spam legislation, including those relating to unsubscribe mechanisms, the provision of contact information and proof of consent.
Once made aware of the investigation by the CRTC, Porter Airlines was cooperative and immediately took corrective actions to comply with the legislation, the Commission continued. The company also pledged to improve…
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OTTAWA–GATINEAU – The CRTC has revoked the broadcasting licences of Aboriginal Voices Radio (AVR), which operates stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa under radio call sign CKAV.
The Commission said Thursday that not only did AVR fail to fulfil its commitments and mandate to reflect the distinctive place of the Aboriginal community in Canadian society, it was also found in non-compliance during each of the four times it appeared before the CRTC to renew its licences over the past 15 years.
Noting that the Ottawa station has not broadcast anything since fall 2014, AVR was also not providing the…
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