CRTC issues report on future of Canadian broadcasting
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission released a report last week called The Future Environment Facing the Canadian Broadcasting System. The report examines the current state of audio-visual technology and its predicted future evolution. The report also seeks to predict the impact that changing technology will have on Canada’s broadcast systems. The report concludes that shifting media consumption patterns have had only a marginal impact on the broadcast system so far, based on the fact that Canadians still consume most of their programming through regulated broadcasting undertakings. However, the report also observes that Canadians are accessing an increasing amount of programming through unregulated electronic channels such as the Internet and mobile phone networks, a practice that will increase as time goes on. The report recommends ongoing monitoring of developments in audio-visual technology in order to provide a foundation for future public policy changes. “This report is an important step in providing policy-makers with the information needed to make decisions that will ensure the ongoing health, contribution and relevance of the Canadian broadcasting system,” said Charles Dalfen, chairman of the CRTC. “Based on the information provided to us, the CRTC concludes that public policy action will need to be taken within the next three to seven years if it is to have the desired effect. Otherwise it may well come too late.” Between now and 2008, the CRTC will conduct reviews of its regulatory frameworks for radio, television and broadcast distribution with a focus on technological change. The CRTC also plans to seek ways to reduce unnecessary regulation.