Canada’s regulator publishes broadcasting report; minister launches 5G plan

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has published a digital report on the future of broadcasting in Canada. The report proposes new tools and regulatory approaches to support the production and promotion of audio and video content made by and for Canadians. The CRTC proposes that any future policy approaches to content and its distribution should focus on the production and promotion of high-quality content made by Canadians that is discoverable by audiences in Canada and abroad; and recognise that there are social and cultural responsibilities associated with operating in Canada and that all players benefiting from the Canadian broadcasting system should participate in an appropriate and equitable manner. In its report, the CRTC sets out certain policy options that could help ensure a vibrant domestic market, including replacing prescriptive licensing with comprehensive and binding service agreements for all video and audio services offered in Canada and drawing revenue from Canadians; a restructured funding strategy to ensure sustainable support for content production and promotion in the future, including the participation of television service providers, radio stations, and wireless and internet service providers; and the development by government, in consultation with stakeholders, of national and cross-sectoral strategies. Also in Canada, Navdeep Bains, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and economic development, has announced initiatives aimed at improving quality, coverage and price of telecoms services for all Canadians, including a 5 year 5G wireless spectrum release programme, in its Spectrum Outlook 2018 to 2022. Read more and here

• Monday, 25 June 2018