CRTC launches consultations to modernize broadcasting system

May 12, 2023 – Ottawa-Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Today, the CRTC is launching three public consultations to modernize the broadcasting system and ensure that online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content.

First, the CRTC is consulting on what contributions online services will need to make to support the Canadian broadcasting system. The CRTC is proposing a new contribution framework for traditional broadcasters and online streaming services that acknowledges the possibility of flexible contribution requirements for different business models. The Commission is also consulting on whether initial contributions should be made by online streaming services.

Second, the CRTC is consulting on which online streaming services need to be registered and which services will be exempted. These consultations will help ensure that regulation is limited to companies that can make a material contribution to the broadcasting system. The CRTC is proposing that online streaming services with annual revenues under $10 million not be required to register, and that registration would not apply to individual Canadians or creators of user-generated content.

The third consultation considers changes to exemption orders under which online streaming services have been operating and possible basic conditions of service to be imposed on certain streaming services.

Interested parties can follow the CRTC’s consultations and participate by:

• filling out the online form;
• writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2; or
• sending a fax to 819-994-0218.

All comments received will form part of the public record and will inform the CRTC’s decision.

These consultations are part of the CRTC’s Regulatory Plan to modernize Canada’s broadcasting system.

In the coming months, the CRTC will launch additional consultations as it builds a new regulatory framework. The CRTC plans to examine definitions of Canadian and Indigenous content in fall 2023.