CRTC vice-chair broadcasting prioritizing public policy goals over financial implications of C-11

The purpose of the CRTC is to achieve policy outcomes rather than regulate the broadcasting sector and that financial interests come second, according to the CRTC's interim vice-chair of broadcasting and commissioner for Quebec. “The CRTC is, first and foremost, a public interest regulator, and while the financial aspects are crucial to help our Canadian artists, actors, companies and industry leaders thrive, we must have Canadian public interest at heart at all times,” Alicia Barin said in a Friday speech to the Digital Media at the Crossroads conference. Barin's official term as vice-chair will begin in several weeks, “We know that it is sometimes hard to separate financial interests and the achievement of the cultural and sovereignty objectives in the Broadcasting Act; these concepts are inextricably intertwined most of the time. Content creation needs funds at the input, and profits at the output – so goes the wheel,” Barin stated in her speech. Barin pleaded with conference attendees to bear in mind that the commission’s goal is to make sure Canada’s public policy objectives are met. “The point isn’t the regulation, it’s achieving those outcomes.” Barin noted that the CRTC currently has a limited toolkit for regulating digital media services such as online streaming but said she could not explicitly comment on the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) or the Online News Act (Bill C-18) which are both before the Senate. The Senate Committee of Transport and Communications finalized and approved its amendments to Bill C-11 last month just before parliament rose for the holiday break. The bill will be sent back to the Senate floor for a third reading. The Senate also completed the first reading of the Online News Act in December, after the House of Commons Canadian Heritage committee wrapped up its clause-by-clause review. Barin also urged the conference attendees to participate in the CRTC’s anticipated public hearing on how to implement Bill C-11. “We all know what the challenges are, what’s at stake. We want to hear about how we can continue to improve the Canadian broadcasting and production sectors, and what that means in terms of inclusivity, of representation of diversity groups and Indigenous Peoples, and of our multicultural Canadian heritage.” Barin said the commission is also looking at how the sector can better address accessibility needs, enable discoverability of Canadian content, and make use of local resources, leverage community involvement and ensure local reflection. “Of course, we will be asking you important questions regarding our broadcasting system’s evolution, health, and future. When we, as a commission, run a public process, we do so in order to gather perspectives from many and all interveners who choose to participate,” Barin said.

CRTC vice-chair broadcasting prioritizing public policy goals over financial implications of C-11

Broadcast | January 24, 2023

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CRTC vice-chair broadcasting prioritizing public policy goals over financial implications of C-11

Broadcast | January 24, 2023

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