CRTC wants input on new preview policy
With the ever-increasing pace of third-language specialty services being licensed for distribution in Canada as well as the mounting importance of digital programming, the CRTC is revisiting its restrictions on previewing pay and specialty channels. In Public Notice 2006-136, the commission notes that existing policy forbids the airing of previews during national ratings periods, so as to not unduly influence viewership of certain shows. In addition, there are restrictions on the length and nature of previews that can be shown on a BDU’s promotional or "barker" channel. The CRTC is soliciting input on the matter and wants submissions by November 20.
"In the commission’s view, there are sound arguments in favour of authorizing BDUs to present previews of such services, whether those services are authorized for analog and digital distribution, or for digital distribution only, and whether or not the preview is presented on an analog or digital channel," the call for comments reads. "The commission notes that such previews of non-Canadian, non-US digital services, especially when distributed on analog channels, could assist in the roll-out of digital technology and services, which is a longstanding commission objective."

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