OTTAWA – The CRTC has granted VidéOptique Inc. a broadcasting licence to operate a regional video-on-demand (VOD) service in parts of Quebec.
But support for the service, at least in its current form, was not unanimous. Commissioner Michel Morin filed a dissenting opinion against the decision and accused the CRTC of “beating around the bush and displaying a flagrant lack of leadership” on the issue of community programming.
In its application, the yet unnamed service said that it would consist primarily of feature films, non-live events, children’s programming, archival television programming and adult programming, predominantly in French.
But the Fédération des télévisions communautaires autonomes du Québec and Télévision communautaire de l’Érable both filed interventions to the application, asking the Commission to impose a condition of licence on VidéOptique that it offer community programs produced by three community television undertakings currently in the territory.
In its reply, VidéOptique indicated that it did not want to make a commitment to offer community programming, claiming it “is not suited to the type of service it intends to offer”, though it did agree to “discuss the possibility”.
While acknowledging “the importance of community programming", the CRTC also pointed out that VOD undertakings are currently not required to offer community programming. But, it did ask VidéOptique to meet with the local stations, and file a report on their discussions within 120 days.
And this, it appears, is at the heart of Morin’s dissention with the decision. Saying the Commission is “obliged to do everything in our power to promote community television”, and that community television often has “limited access” to television’s traditional revenue streams, he implied that the CRTC missed the boat by not imposing a community television obligation.
“In my opinion, the Commission, as the overseer of the broadcasting system, had an obligation to send an even clearer and uncompromising signal given that the undertaking is not voluntarily considering offering this service in any way. A refusal by VidéOptique would not be an option, particularly when the service costs practically nothing. A refusal would be neither in the interest of the system nor in the interest of VidéOptique’s customers”, his opinion reads.
“As regulators, we have to do more than follow to the letter the rules currently governing VOD services. I believe that if the service can be delivered by the company to its customers with no harm or additional cost and in full compliance with the objectives of the (Broadcasting) Act, we have a duty to ensure that the enhanced service is offered without delay so that more consumers benefit from it and have access to programs produced by community stations in their vicinity", he continued.
For more on the decision, click here
