The final week of public hearings into Canadian broadcast and new media activities will have the major ‘pipe providers’ appear at public hearings in Gatineau, QC.
The country’s largest Internet service Providers (ISPs), along with other key constituents, will present opinions this week on what changes are desired, recommended or needed from the country’s regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Some ten years after its last look at new media, the CRTC is taking a new look at the role of new media content creation and online delivery and distribution across the Canadian broadcasting landscape. The Commission took a hands-off approach a decade ago, and in that time, the roles of new media and traditional broadcast have only continued to grow and merge.
So, the CRTC last year made a call for input, commentary and direct responses to several main themes:
I. Defining broadcasting in new media
II. The significance of broadcasting in new media and its impact on the Canadian broadcasting system
III. Are incentives or regulatory measures necessary or desireable for the creation and promotion of Canadian broadcasting content in new media?
IV. Are there issues concerning access to broadcasting content in new media?
V. Other broadcasting or public policy objectives
VI. The appropriateness of the new media exemption orders
Tabling their responses this week are key Internet players, including the country’s largest Internet service providers.
Monday’s scheduled panel presentations are from the Ontario Ministry of Culture, and the Ontario Media Development Corporation, Score Media Inc.; National Hockey League.
Also schedule to appear are individuals from the Association of Association of Canadian Advertisers; Pelmorex Media Inc.; Stornoway Communications.
Tuesday’s scheduled appearances include: Astral Media Inc.; Rogers Communications Inc.; Cogeco Cable Inc.; Shaw Communications Inc.; and the Canadian Cable System Alliance Inc.
Wednesday’s schedule includes: Quebecor Media inc./Groupe TVA inc.; MTS Allstream Inc.; Canadian Association of Internet Providers, RipNET Limited; Barrett Xplore Inc.; Bell Alliant Regional Communications, Limited Partnership and Bell Canada; and TELUS Communications Company.
Coverage of the hearings is available online at www.crtc.ca, and at www.cpac.ca.