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Despite the fact the CRTC is set to take a new look at fee-for-carriage for local broadcasters in a hearing this November, Minister of Heritage James Moore announced that the Government of Canada issued an Order-in-Council requesting the Commission " 'hold hearings and provide the government with a report on the implications of implementing a compensation regime for the value of local television signals, more commonly known as fee-for-carriage.' "
The CRTC says the government's release " 'is to consider the views of the general public regarding the impact of such a measure. By making this request of the CRTC, the Government is providing leadership to ensure that Canadians have access to programming at affordable rates.' "
" 'Our Government has a record of putting consumers first,' " said Minister Moore in the press release. " 'When it comes to the broadcasting system, our stance is no different. That is why we've directed the CRTC to consider what fee-for-carriage would mean for Canadians, because this is an issue that affects them directly.' "
Says the Heritage release:
" 'In its consultation on fee-for-carriage, the CRTC must take into account:
- Its impact on consumers, and in particular, the impact on affordable access to a variety of local and regional news, information and public affairs programming; and
- How the application of such a regime would impact the various components of the communications industry as it adapts to the new digital environment, and in particular, the implications on current and emerging business models.' "
"'It is clear that Canada's communications system is undergoing a period of unprecedented change,' " added Moore. "'This is an opportunity for the CRTC and the broadcasting industry to look to the future, to find innovative solutions, always with the consumer in mind,' " concluded the Minister.
This request to the CRTC has been made pursuant to section 15 of the Broadcasting Act, under which the Governor-in-Council can request the CRTC hold hearings or make reports.
Source: Cartt, 09/17/2009
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