The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that it is asking Canadians to provide data and information on online broadcasting services and their impact on the Canadian communications system.
For more information visit: www.crtc.gc.ca
Unedited press release follows:
CRTC seeks information on online broadcasting services
OTTAWA-GATINEAU, May 25, 2011 — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is asking Canadians to provide data and information on online broadcasting services and their impact on the Canadian communications system.
“The digital environment is providing Canadians with more programming choices than ever before,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “Canadians have access to libraries of online content that can originate from anywhere in the world, and which can be watched on different screens. This fact-finding exercise will give us a better understanding of the dynamic and innovative environment as it continues to evolve.”
As part of its mandate to supervise the Canadian broadcasting system, the CRTC has investigated similar technological and consumer trends in the past. For example, in 2006, the CRTC prepared a report on the future environment facing the Canadian broadcasting system. In 2009, the CRTC released a report on broadcasting services in official-language minority communities.
The CRTC is gathering data and information:
• at the request of the most significant members of the Canadian communications industry, as expressed in a letter dated April 1, 2011, and
• further to a resolution of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, which was included in its March 2011 report, Impacts of Private Television Ownership Changes and the Move Towards New Viewing Platforms.
Interested parties are invited to comment on a number of topics related to the digital environment. They may submit their comments by June 27, 2011. They may do so by completing the online form, by writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or by fax at 819-994-0218.
Broadcasting and Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-344
The CRTC
The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.