CRTC Seeks Comments on Broadcasting in New Media

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has issued a call for comments on the topic of broadcasting in new media, that is, the effect on broadcasting of the new digital technologies and platforms. Specifically, the CRTC would like to hear from the public on:

• What is broadcasting in new media?
• Should the creation and promotion of Canadian broadcasting content for the new media environment be supported? If so, how?
• Are there any barriers to accessing Canadian broadcasting content in the new media environment?
• What other issues should be considered?

To assist review of the issues, the CRTC has released a compilation of its research and the views it has collected over the past year in a document entitled "Perspectives on Canadian Broadcasting in New Media". Comments are invited before July 11, 2008. The CRTC has also opened an online discussion board for debate on the subject of new media broadcasting, which will be open until June 15, 2008. Hearings are expected to be scheduled for early 2009. The CRTC press release is available at: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/NEWS/RELEASES/2008/r080515.htm The "Perspectives" report of the CRTC can be found at: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/media/rp080515.htm To participate in the online discussion, visit http://newmedia.crtc.econsultation.ca/ Summary by: Jennifer Jannuska