The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has opened two public consultations for the updated Broadcasting Act.
The first consultation focuses on modernizing the definition of Canadian content for television and online streaming platforms; this definition is intended to ensure that Canadian stories are produced, shared, and accessible. The second consultation focuses on improving the flexibility of the rules being followed by radio stations, helping them to better cater to their communities.
The public can provide feedback until January 20, 2025. Submissions can be made through the following channels:
- the online form for the Canadian content consultation
- the online form for the consultation on radio process modernization
- correspondence addressed to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2.
- a fax sent to 819-994-0218
The CRTC’s Indigenous Relations Team has also been tapped to help First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and organizations with their submissions, including oral interventions.
“We know how important it is for Canadian stories to be told and shared, and how important radio is to our communities. That is why we are updating the definition of Canadian content for TV and online streaming services, and ensuring that radio stations can continue to support their communities with the information and music they want,” CRTC chairperson and CEO Vicky Eatrides said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to participate and look forward to hearing a diversity of perspectives.”
Before the consultation, the CRTC conducted engagement sessions with industry participants and creators nationwide. In September, the commission released a What We Heard report based on the sessions.
Under the Broadcasting Act, the CRTC is required to update Canada’s broadcasting framework and ensure that streaming platforms contribute significantly to Canadian and Indigenous content. Thus far, the commission has conducted 12 public consultations and issued 4 decisions on implementing the modernized Broadcasting Act.
Upcoming consultations will investigate the market dynamics and sustainability between small, medium and large players operating traditional and online platforms, as well as radio and audio streaming in the country.
The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal responsible for regulating Canada’s communications sector in the public interest.