CRTC to Examine Global Streamers’ Impact on Canadian Broadcasting
The CRTC is set to hold a hearing on how global streaming services affect Canada’s broadcasting landscape
Ottawa, Canada, CRTC, Streaming Services, Broadcasting, Netflix, Amazon, Disney+
Ottawa: The CRTC is diving into how Canadian broadcasting can adapt as folks shift from traditional TV to global streaming platforms.
They’re kicking off a public consultation and planning a hearing in Gatineau, Quebec, this coming May.
The CRTC’s document highlights that the Canadian broadcast scene is at a pivotal moment, facing big changes due to new tech and how people are consuming content.
As Canadians move away from regulated cable TV to streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+, the CRTC is keen to understand these market shifts.
This consultation is part of their efforts to roll out the Online Streaming Act, which aims to update broadcasting laws for online platforms.
However, some of the CRTC’s new rules are already facing legal challenges from major streaming companies.
Scott Shortliffe, the CRTC’s broadcasting executive director, mentioned that Canadians are looking for content in new ways, and the CRTC needs to adapt its regulations accordingly.
He emphasized the goal of creating a sustainable broadcasting system where Canadians can easily access news and other content, ensuring all players, big and small, are included.
“We’re not saying we have to regulate online streamers. That could happen, but it’s not a given,” Shortliffe noted.
He added that the first step is to grasp the market dynamics and how Canadians access services, then design a system that fits those needs.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 9, 2024.
— Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press