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The CRTC opened an online consultation to receive the comments of Canadians on the future of television. This consultation is part of the public hearing that will begin on December 7, 2009, in Gatineau, Que. The government has requested that the CRTC submit a report following the public hearing.
The Canadian broadcasting system is evolving quickly, and some regulatory changes may prove necessary. The Commission is looking at various options, including the possibility of negotiations between local stations and cable and satellite companies to determine the value of signals, and the transition of television signals from analog to digital. With this online consultation, the CRTC is seeking the views of consumers and the industry on the impact such developments could have on:
- the availability of local television services, including local news, information and public affairs programming
- the ability to choose different types of channels and packages
- the affordability of cable and satellite television services
- the industry as it adapts to the new digital communications environment, and
- the industry's current or future business plans.
The CRTC has already received numerous comments since the public hearing was announced. These were submitted by fax, e-mail or through the online form. With the online consultation, the CRTC is offering consumers a new way to express their opinions. The CRTC will take all comments received into account when preparing its report. The online consultation will conclude on December 21, 2009, at midnight.
Source: Broadcaster, 11/30/2009
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