CRTC kicks off Online News Act consultation

The CRTC launched its first public consultation on the Online News Act’s regulatory framework to gain input on handling the bargaining process, unfair treatment complaints, and data collection requirements outlined in the act and its accompanying regulations. The consultation was released on the commission’s website Wednesday. Other aspects of the CRTC’s new responsibilities will be dealt with in future proceedings expected to take place this summer and fall, including the creation of a code of conduct for fair negotiations. Although online platforms that fall under the Online News Act’s jurisdiction can be exempted from the law’s bargaining framework, “the commission must still be prepared to administer the mandatory bargaining process, if necessary,” said the CRTC. The commission is asking stakeholders how eligible news businesses should initiate the bargaining process. The CRTC shared its preliminary view that parties should keep the CRTC updated on the status of their negotiations. The commission proposed that eligible news businesses should be required to submit details about their intent to negotiate an agreement with an online platform, including a bargaining schedule with proposed deadlines for each stage of the process. The CRTC is seeking comments on how the 120-day mediation period should be conducted. The regulator noted that agreeing on an external mediator could take too long and cost too much for the parties involved. The CRTC suggested that it should be responsible for mediating negotiations that fail to reach an agreement during the initial 90-day bargaining period. The CRTC is expected to maintain a list of qualified arbitrators for parties to choose from during the 45-day final offer arbitration (FOA) period. It is asking stakeholders how it can ensure Indigenous arbitrators, as well as arbitrators that reflect Canada’s linguistic, racial and geographic diversity, will be included on the roster. The CRTC is also asking how to settle any non-monetary issues, stating that “there is no clear mechanism” to ensure that they will be resolved before the FOA period. The intervention deadline is set for April 12, with replies due April 22. This proceeding comes off the heels of Alphabet Inc.’s Google launching an open call to news organizations that want to receive a piece of the $100 million pie. Initiated on Feb. 28, news organizations have until April 30 to attest to Google that they are eligible to receive compensation. Afterward, Google will post a list of the organizations that responded and can negotiate. According to the deal it struck with the government in November, Google plans to negotiate with a single collective representing all eligible media. Google will distribute the contributions based on the amount of full-time equivalent journalists each news company has on staff. Google’s open call asked any groups or organizations interested in serving as the single collective to submit an expression of interest by March 29. – Reporting by Phalen Tynes-MacDonald at pcreed@thewirereport.ca

CRTC kicks off Online News Act consultation

News | March 13, 2024

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CRTC kicks off Online News Act consultation

News | March 13, 2024

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