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In October 2009, the CRTC called for comments on a revised licensing framework for over-the-air digital television (DTV) services.
Under the existing framework, licensees of over-the-air analog television services are required to hold a transitional DTV licence in order to operate a DTV undertaking. Transitional DTV transmitters are authorized to operate on an interim channel and/or at reduced parameters in order to accommodate the parallel operation of analog and transitional DTV transmitters. In addition, transitional DTV services are authorized to broadcast a maximum of 14 hours per week of programming on the digital service that is not duplicated on the associated analog service.
In the call for comments, the CRTC stated that it no longer considers it necessary to issue separate transitional DTV licences. The Commission instead proposed to authorize the simulcast of a service's programming on a digital transmitter by way of an amendment to the existing service's licence. As a result of this revised approach, broadcasters would no longer have the authorization to broadcast distinct digital programming.
As part of this proceeding, the Commission received and considered written comments. The parties generally supported the Commission's proposal and provided comments on specific aspects of the proposed revisions to the framework.
To read more, click here:
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-69.htm
Source: CRTC, 02/10/2010
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