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In January, the CRTC held a hearing to review the broadcasting services in English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada. It examined the availability of these services across all broadcasting platforms and distribution systems, and whether the diversity of the communities is reflected throughout the Canadian broadcasting system.
The CRTC further identified three issues relating to the specific communities involved:
- "the availability and quality of English- and French-language broadcasting services in official-language minority communities
- the identification of deficiencies and challenges in those communities regarding the provision of official-language broadcasting services
- measures to encourage and facilitate access to the widest range of official-language broadcasting services possible"
The CRTC concluded in its report that the official-language minority communities do have appropriate access to TV services of " 'equitable and of adequate quality.' " It thinks that the CBC and community radio stations " 'play an important role' " in official-language minority communities, but that community reflection in the programming of the services available " 'can be improved.' "
According to the CRTC's report, it is " 'important that the CBC have the means to continue serving these communities' " and encouraged the federal government " 'to take note of the challenges that the CBC will have to contend with over the following years' " to enable it " 'to provide the best possible service to official-language minority communities.' "
The CRTC also said that new media is the best solution for ensuring access to a maximum number of services, and for allowing a better reflection of official-language minority communities within the Canadian broadcasting system. It added that " 'the issue of access to broadband must be received' " before this can happen.
Source: Cartt, 03/31/2009
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