CRTC to consider new media broadcasting regulation

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has announced plans for a review of whether or not new media broadcasting should be subject to federal regulation.

According to a CRTC news release, the scheduled proceedings will include a public hearing starting on February 17, 2009 in Gatineau, Que. The CRTC said:

“With this proceeding, the Commission wishes to further examine the role
of broadcasting in the current new media environment, and what role
this environment can be expected to play in the Canadian broadcasting
system in the future.”

The CRTC is looking for public comments on specific questions related to:

• the definition of broadcasting in new media
• the significance of broadcasting in new media and its impact on the traditional broadcasting system
• incentives or regulatory measures for the creation and promotion of Canadian broadcasting content in new media
• access to broadcasting content in new media
• other broadcasting or public policy objectives, and
• the appropriateness of the Commission’s exemption orders for new media and mobile broadcasting services.

Find more information about submitting a comment here.