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News release

October 15, 2008

CRTC to examine broadcasting in the new media environment

OTTAWA-GATINEAU — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today launched a proceeding to gain a better understanding of broadcasting in the new media environment. The proceeding will include a public hearing starting on February 17, 2009, in Gatineau, Que.

In 1999, the Commission exempted from regulation services that distribute broadcasting content over the Internet. In 2007, it also exempted broadcasting services that are received through cellphones and other mobile devices. Today, high-speed Internet access has been adopted by most Canadians, new technologies and applications are offering high-quality broadcasting content, and Canadians are spending more time accessing this type of content over the Internet and mobile devices.

With this proceeding, the Commission wishes to further examine the role of broadcasting in the current new media environment, and what role this environment can be expected to play in the Canadian broadcasting system in the future.

The Commission initiated a public consultation in May 2008 to narrow the range of issues that could be considered. Further to this consultation, the CRTC now invites comments on specific questions related to:

• the definition of broadcasting in new media
• the significance of broadcasting in new media and its impact on the traditional broadcasting system
• incentives or regulatory measures for the creation and promotion of Canadian broadcasting content in new media
• access to broadcasting content in new media
• other broadcasting or public policy objectives, and
• the appropriateness of the Commission's exemption orders for new media and mobile broadcasting services.

Interested parties may submit their comments by December 5, 2008. They may do so by filling out the online form, by writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or by fax, at
819-994-0218.

Broadcasting Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2008-11 [.pdf]

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent, public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference documents:

• News release, “CRTC makes public two documents on new media,” September 9, 2008
• News release, “CRTC launches consultation on broadcasting in new media for future hearing,” May 15, 2008
• Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2008-44 [.htm] [.pdf]
• Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2007-13 [.htm] [.pdf]
• Public Notice CRTC 1999-197 [.htm]

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Media Relations:
   MediaRelations, Tel: 819-997-9403, Fax: 819-997-4245

General Inquiries:
   Tel: 819-997-0313, TDD: 819-994-0423, Fax: 819-994-0218
   Toll-free # 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
   TDD - Toll-free # 1-877-909-CRTC (2782)
   On-line services

These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

Date Modified: 2008-10-15