Stayed tuned for more... but you can read the news release
here.From the CRTC:
Backgrounder on broadcasting in new media
What is broadcasting?
Broadcasting is defined in the Broadcasting Act as
the transmission of programs by radio waves or other means of
telecommunication and which are for reception by the public. The Act
further defines a program as sounds or visual images, or a combination
of the two, that are intended to inform, enlighten or entertain. Visual
images that consist predominantly of alphanumeric text are not
considered as a "program" under this definition.
What is considered broadcasting in the new media environment?
Broadcasting
in the new media environment consists of the distribution of audio or
video content, or a combination of the two, using new technologies and
platforms, such as the Internet and mobile devices. The Commission
considers that alphanumeric text and content customized by users fall
outside of the scope of broadcasting in new media.
What do you mean by "professionally produced?"
The
Commission is mainly concerned with the broadcast of
professionally-produced Canadian content over the Internet and through
mobile devices. This type of content is generally expensive to produce,
of a high quality and comparable to what has traditionally been aired
on television and the radio. Audio and video content customized by
users is not considered as being professionally produced.
When did the Commission exempt new media?
In
1999, the Commission examined new media services that deliver
broadcasting content over the Internet and concluded that regulation
was not necessary to achieve the objectives of the Broadcasting Act.The Commission issued an Exemption Order for these services, observing that:
- there was no discernible impact on conventional radio and television audiences attributed to new media services
- market
forces were providing for a Canadian presence on the Internet, which
was supported by a strong demand for Canadian content, and
- there was no evidence that the Internet had impacted the traditional broadcasters' advertising revenues.
In
2007, the Commission issued a similar Exemption Order for broadcasting
services that are received through cellphones, personal digital
assistants (PDAs) and other mobile devices.
Why review new media broadcasting now?
The
Commission has made it a practice of periodically reviewing its
exemption orders. In the decade since the Commission exempted new media
broadcasting services, the landscape has evolved significantly. In
particular:
- Canadian are spending
more time accessing broadcasting content over the Internet and on
mobile devices, and asserting greater control while doing so.
- Globally,
the pace at which professionally-produced broadcasting content is being
made available online is accelerating, but Canadian participation is
lagging.
- Advertisers are increasingly embracing marketing strategies tailored to broadcasting in new media.
Which objectives of the Broadcasting Act are relevant to broadcasting in the new media environment?
There
are two main objectives that are particularly relevant to the issue of
broadcasting in new media. The first is that each element of the
broadcasting system must contribute to the creation and presentation of
Canadian programming. This programming must reflect Canada's creativity
and talent, its two official languages, its multicultural diversity,
its social values and the special place of Aboriginal peoples within
its society. The second objective is that Canadians should have full
access to the broadcasting system, both as audiences and as producers
and creators in the industry.
