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Broadcasting - Staff Letter addressed to the Distribution List

Ottawa, 8 November 2024

Reference: 1011-NOC2024-0138

BY E-MAIL

Distribution List

Subject: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2024-138 – Request for additional information regarding described video

On June 25, 2024, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched its call for comments on the development of a regulatory policy for the distribution of described video and audio description (Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2024-138). On September 19, 2024, the CRTC extended the period for the submission of interventions to November 20, 2024.

After examining the record of the proceeding so far, CRTC staff requires further information.

Recipients of this letter are asked to respond to the questions contained in the appendix to this letter and are to file those responses with the CRTC using GCKey by no later than 20 November 2024.

Parties may address responses to these questions in their replies. Replies are due on December 20, 2024.

As per section 25.3 of the Broadcasting Act, a person may designate certain information as confidential. As set out in Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin CRTC 2010-961, Procedures for filing confidential information and requesting its disclosure in Commission proceedings, a person designating information as confidential must provide a detailed explanation on why the designated information is confidential and why its disclosure would not be in the public interest, including why the specific direct harm that would be likely to result from the disclosure would outweigh the public interest in disclosure. Furthermore, a person designating information as confidential must either file an abridged version of the document omitting only the information designated as confidential or provide reasons why an abridged version cannot be filed.

All documents must be received, and not merely sent, by the dates indicated, and all submissions are to be made in accordance with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure, SOR/2010-277.

Responses to this request for information will be added to the record of Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2024-138.

Yours sincerely,

Original signed by

Nanao Kachi
Director, Social and Consumer Policy

Appendix – Request for information –

Questions for all parties

  1. Currently, described video requirements for traditional broadcasters apply to the following program categories:
    • Long-form documentary
    • Drama and comedy
    • Variety
    • General entertainment and human interest
    • Reality television
    • Programming targeting preschool children (0-5 years of age) and children (6-12 years of age).

    If the CRTC were to require online streaming undertakings to provide described video for English- and French-language programs, should the requirement apply to the same program categories?

  2. Comment on the feasibility or appropriateness of creating an industry-led working group focused on the provision of described video to address issues that may remain unresolved following this proceeding. What group or organization should lead or coordinate the working group? How should the working group operate (i.e. how often should it meet, who should take part, how often should it report to the CRTC)?

Questions for Online Streaming Undertakings and Traditional Broadcasters

  1. What percentage of your content library is original programming and what percentage of your platform’s content is third-party content?
  2. Is it possible for described video to be made into a contractual requirement for newly created third-party content? If yes, what timeframe would be feasible to ensure that described video is included in the contractual agreements on a going-forward basis for all newly created third-party content acquired by each of your online platforms? If no, what challenges are present?
  3. Some online streaming services allow users to search for programs with a filter for described video. Does your platform include such a feature? If your platform(s) does not include this feature, comment on the feasibility or appropriateness of adding it, including timelines for implementation.
  4. Is it possible to flag problems or errors with described video while viewing a program? If your platform(s) does not include this feature, comment on the feasibility of adding it, including timelines for implementation.
  5. In the case you have received a complaint about the described video of a particular program, confirm if whether it is possible to retain a copy of that specific program while the complaint is being addressed, particularly after the program is no longer available for public consumption on the platform.
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