|
On January, 15, 2008, the CRTC came out with new policies to ensure a diversity of voices is maintained in the Canadian broadcasting system. CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein, explains that " "it is an approach that will preserve the plurality of editorial voices and the diversity of programming available to Canadians, both locally and nationally, while allowing for a strong and competitive industry." " These polices apply only to private broadcasters.
Common ownership
The CRTC reaffirmed its common ownership policies governing the number of conventional TV stations a person may control in the same market. Under these policies, a person may own no more than one conventional TV station in one language in a given market.
Cross-media ownership
The CRTC established a new policy restricting cross-media ownership. Now, a person or entity will only be allowed to control two types of media (a local radio station, a local TV station, or a local newspaper) in the same market.
Since the Globe and Mail and the National Post are considered to be national newspapers, the CRTC does not find any market in Canada where a single person or entity controls all three types of media.
Journalistic Independence Code
The CRTC has approved the Journalistic Independence Code proposed by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC). It directed the CBSC to include a minimum number of journalists on the panels that address complaints. Given their experience and expertise, having journalists present is necessary to fully understand newsroom operations. The CRTC also asked the CBSC to formalize the process used to select panel members to ensure a fairer appointment system.
This Code will ensure the diversity of professional editorial voices and eventually apply to all broadcasters who own a newspaper in the same market.
Ownership of TV services
Since increased consolidation has raised concerns that a large ownership group could achieve a dominant position through acquisitions, the CRTC has decided to:
- impose limits on the ownership of broadcasting licences so that one party does not control over 45% of the total TV audience share because of the transaction; and
- not approve transactions between companies that distribute TV services (cable or satellite providers) that would result in one person controlling the delivery of programming in a market
In addition, the CRTC will:
- carefully look at transactions that would result in one party controlling between 35% and 45% of total audience share, and
- quickly approve transactions that would result in one party controlling less than 35% of the total audience share, if there are no other concerns
An ownership group can, however, increase its audience share above 45% by operating and growing its existing assets.
Source: CRTC, 01/15/2008
|