Broadcasting - Staff Letter addressed to Jan Zawilski
Ottawa, 28 August 2023
Reference(s): 2022-0795-1
BY EMAIL
Jan Zawilski
sue.jan@cgocable.ca
Subject: Cogeco On Demand – Licence Renewal
On 25 August 2023, the CRTC published Cogeco On Demand – Licence renewal,Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-287 (Decision 2023-287). In this decision, the CRTC emphasized its expectations that licensees acquire and make programming with described video available and reiterated the importance of described video in making broadcasting more accessible.
As part of Decision 2023-287, the CRTC announced that it will launch a proceeding in the near future to review the regulatory framework for described video and audio description. This review will include on-demand services and streaming services under the CRTC’s jurisdiction and could create new obligations for broadcasters.
Decision 2023-287 also acknowledged that Cogeco itself has committed to making best efforts to offer described video. Decision 2023-287 stated that the CRTC expects Cogeco to take the necessary steps to follow through on its commitment, including by revising arrangements with programming undertakings, as necessary.
Once available, more information regarding the described video review proceeding will be made public on the CRTC’s website. We encourage all interested persons to participate.
Yours sincerely,
Original signed by
Jennifer Porteous A/Nanao Kachi
Director, Social and Consumer Policy
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