Dec 18, 2012 — News Article: CRTC eyes new technologies for 911 by LuAnn LaSalle
The CRTC is seeking ideas from Canadians regarding new 911 technologies and may consider texts and tweets.
Dec 17, 2012 — News Article: CRTC seeks public input on 911 emergency service
Canada's telecom regulator is asking for the public’s input on how to improve the 911 emergency service in light of changing technology.
Dec 17, 2012 — News Article: The CRTC’s challenge to upgrade 911 by Rita Trichur
Columnist says the CRTC is aiming to close potentially dangerous technological gaps in Canada’s 911 services.
Dec 14, 2012 — News Article: The Government, Corporations or the People — Who Should Control the Internet? by Timothy Karr
The question of who controls the internet is at the center of debates at the World Conference on International Telecommunications.
Dec 14, 2012 — News Article: New Law Makes Commercials Quieter by Sarah Seltzer
Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act has gone into effect forcing broadcasters to limit the volume of commercials to no louder than the show they accompany.
Dec 13, 2012 — News Article: Supreme Court nixes 'fee for carriage' broadcast plan
Canada's highest court has struck down a fee for carriage system that could have seen cable companies required to pay TV stations for their signals, a cost that could have been passed on to consumers.
Dec 13, 2012 — News Article: Top court rejects CRTC plan to allow broadcasters to charge for signals by Randall Palmer
The Supreme Court of Canada says the CRTC does not have the authority to impose a value-for-signal plan under which television broadcasters would charge cable and satellite firms for their programming.
Dec 13, 2012 — News Article: Broadcasters say top court ruling leaves local stations on the ropes by Steve Ladurantaye
Private television broadcasters are warning that local stations can’t continue to exist on advertising revenues alone, after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled the stations shouldn’t be paid for their signals when they are rebroadcast by cable and satellite companies.
Dec 13, 2012 — News Article: Top court sides with cable, satellite firms by Stephanie Levitz And Luann Lasalle
The CRTC does not have power to make cable providers pay broadcasters for carrying their TV signals, states a decision handed down by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Dec 12, 2012 — News Article: It’s time to allow open telecom competition by Marc Garneau
Columnist says in a system without real competition in which consumers have few choices, the CRTC has limited options.
Dec 11, 2012 — Policy Brief: Re: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC-2011-379-6: Final Comments
FRIENDS submits final comments to the CRTC on several subjects: CBC Television - Balanced Schedule, Programs of National Interest, and Regional Production; CBC Radio 2 and Espace musique - Commercial Messages; and CBC Television - NHL Hockey.
Dec 11, 2012 — News Article: CRTC threatens to pull Oprah network by Michael Lewis
The CRTC is threatening to pull Oprah Winfrey Network Canada off the air unless owner Corus Entertainment Inc. proves it has taken steps to meet the educational mandate of the network’s original licence.
Dec 11, 2012 — News Article: U.K. Tax Incentives for High-End TV Projects Delight Industry by Stuart Kemp
Draft legislation will see TV show producers able to access tax credits from April 1, 2013.
Dec 10, 2012 — News Article: CRTC gets a blast from the public over three-year cellphone contracts by Terry Pedwell
Columnist says hundreds of people submitted their opinions to the CRTC about a proposed code of conduct for the country's wireless industry.
Dec 7, 2012 — News Article: CRTC calls for input to fix telecom services in North by Rita Trichur
The CRTC is launching a landmark consultation that promises to transform communications services in the Far North.
Dec 7, 2012 — News Article: CRTC to hold public hearings on Northwestel
The CRTC announces it is starting a public consultation on Northwestel's pricing, services and its plan to modernize.
Dec 6, 2012 — News Article: CRTC hearing will look at educational aspect of Oprah Winfrey Network in Canada by LuAnn LaSalle
Columnist says the CRTC is taking on Oprah Winfrey with a hearing into whether her Canadian network's programming fits the channel's educational mandate.
Dec 5, 2012 — News Article: CRTC denies request by Wind Mobile to review Telus's foreign ownership by LuAnn LaSalle
The CRTC has decided not to review the level of foreign ownership in Vancouver telecom company Telus Corp., saying Telus is following the compliance rules.
Dec 3, 2012 — News Article: Governing the Web (and everything else) by Don Tapscott
Representatives of more than 190 governments begin a profoundly important 12-day closed-door meeting in Dubai on Monday to hammer out how the Internet should be run and who should pay for its operation.
Nov 28, 2012 — News Article: CRTC to Rogers: Turn down the ad volume by Steve Ladurantaye
Canada’s broadcast regulator is asking Rogers Communications to explain why it keeps blasting high-volume commercials on its stations despite new rules that insist levels remain consistent throughout a broadcast.
Nov 28, 2012 — News Article: CRTC orders Northwestel to revise its bandwidth rates
Federal regulators have ordered Northwestel to publish a new fair rate schedule for what it charges competing internet service providers for bandwidth before the new year.
Nov 27, 2012 — Policy Brief: FCB Undertaking #2, November 23 re: Application of the BBC Trust Model in Canada
FRIENDS presents information concerning the BBC Trust model and its potential to address accountability issues at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Nov 27, 2012 — Policy Brief: FCB Undertaking #1, November 23 re: Forecast of Potential CBC/SRC Radio Advertising Revenues
FRIENDS presents information on projected revenues should the CRTC approve the CBC's proposal to introduce commercials on Radio Two and Espace Musique.
Nov 23, 2012 — News Article: CBC licence renewal: CRTC hearings look at advertising on CBC Radio by Tony Wong
Karen Wirsig, staff representative with the Canadian Media Guild, says putting ads on CBC Radio is not good policy from a long term perspective.
Nov 23, 2012 — Policy Brief: Presentation to the CRTC on the licence renewals for the CBC’s French and English-language services
In a presentation to the CRTC, FRIENDS recommends that the broadcast regulator help CBC learn how to earn and deserve renewed public support – and then mobilize that support to advocate for resources to do its job.
Nov 23, 2012 — News Article: Watchdog to CBC: ‘Don’t prostitute your crown jewels’ by Olesia Plokhii
FRIENDS calls on the CRTC to deny CBC a new stream of advertising revenue and ensure the corporation has a contingency plan in place for the loss of a lucrative contract with the NHL.
Nov 19, 2012 — News Article: BCE submits new proposal to CRTC to buy Astral by Michael Lewis
Observers say a big chunk of Astral Media Inc.’s English-language TV portfolio would need to be sold for suitor BCE Inc.’s once rejected takeover proposal to pass regulatory muster.
Nov 19, 2012 — News Article: BCE resubmits CRTC application for Astral Media takeover by Etan Vlessing
Bell Canada Enterprises has repackaged its $3.38 billion takeover of indie broadcaster Astral Media.
Nov 16, 2012 — News Article: Astral talking to Bell in hopes of reworking takeover deal for CRTC approval by LuAnn LaSalle
Astral Media Inc. is reworking a friendly takeover by telecom giant Bell that's expected to see the Montreal company sell off some broadcast assets to win regulatory approval.
Nov 16, 2012 — News Article: Astral and BCE deal rekindled from the ashes of anger by Jacquie McNish, Simon Houpt and Rita Trichur
Columnist says even if BCE manages to quell the CRTC’s concerns about its post-acquisition television audience share, its revised application would also have to satisfy more subjective criteria to cinch approval.
Nov 12, 2012 — News Article: British news industry could face restrictions
Columnist says the news industry in Britain is at rock-bottom in public esteem, and could face increased restrictions from the government.
Nov 2, 2012 — News Article: New boss, new way: CRTC chief Blais’s mission to wake up watchdog by Rita Trichur
Columnist says Jean-Pierre Blais is on a mission shake up the CRTC by sharpening its focus on consumers and the people who make Canadian content.
Oct 31, 2012 — News Article: As Astral posts gains, Greenberg looks to rescue BCE deal by Steve Ladurantaye
Ian Greensburg says both companies are determined to work every possible angle to save their merger deal after it was rejected by Canada’s broadcast regulator.
Oct 30, 2012 — News Article: CRTC head leaves door open to re-evaluating Bell’s proposed $3.38B Astral bid by Jamie Sturgeon
CRTC chairman says Canada’s broadcast regulator is prepared to re-evaluate BCE Inc.’s proposed takeover of Astral Media Inc.
Oct 30, 2012 — News Article: If I ran the CRTC by Dianne Nice
The new head of the CRTC says he reads Globe and Mail comments to find out what Canadians think about the CRTC.
Oct 30, 2012 — News Article: CRTC looks to create national standards for mobile providers by Jane Lytvynenko
To help consumers avoid surprises on their cell phone bill, the CRTC is looking to develop a national and mandatory code for providers to follow.
Oct 30, 2012 — News Article: CRTC aims to rebuild consumers' trust
The head of the CRTC says he wants to put consumers at the centre of the decisions that his regulatory organization makes.
Oct 30, 2012 — News Article: CRTC head leaves door open to re-evaluating Bell’s proposed $3.38B Astral bid by Jamie Sturgeon
Canada’s broadcast regulator is prepared to re-evaluate BCE Inc.’s proposed takeover of Astral Media Inc., says chairman Jean-Pierre Blais.
Oct 29, 2012 — News Article: CRTC presses for wholesale telecom rate details
The CRTC says large telephone and cable companies will have to make more information public on the rates they charge smaller competitors for space on their networks.
Oct 29, 2012 — News Article: CRTC presses for wholesale telecom rate details
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission says large telephone and cable companies will have to make more information public on the rates they charge smaller competitors for space on their networks.
Oct 29, 2012 — News Article: New CRTC chief Blais aims to ‘gain the trust’ of consumers by Rita Trichur
The new CRTC Chairman says he is on a mission to “rebuild” the trust of Canadians by renewing its focus on consumers, creators and citizens
Oct 26, 2012 — News Article: Bell extends Astral offer
Bell is extending the deadline for its takeover offer for Astral Media Inc. to Dec. 16 in hopes the deal can still win regulatory approval.
Oct 26, 2012 — News Article: CRTC orders telecom companies to open their books
The CRTC says if telecom companies want to offer wholesale services to third-party competitors, they must disclose what those services cost them.
Oct 26, 2012 — News Article: Shaw Communications Sees No Halt to Industry Consolidation by Etan Vlessing
Despite the CRTC rejecting BCE's $3.38 billion takeover of Astral Media on competition grounds, Shaw Communications insists vertical integration is still on the cards north of the border.
Oct 24, 2012 — News Article: CRTC’s Astral decision not really about diversity of voices
Editorial states that the CRTC rejection of the aquisition of Astral Media by BCE Inc. was about the inverse correlation between concentration of ownership and plurality and shouldn't dressed up in politically correct jargon.
Oct 24, 2012 — News Article: Rogers mulls bid for Astral assets
Rogers Communications Inc. says it would consider acquiring parts of Astral Media Inc., the target of a $3 billion bid from BCE Inc. that was rejected by the CRTC.
Oct 24, 2012 — News Article: Rogers confident regulators will approve Score bid by Jamie Sturgeon
Rogers is attempting to complete a $167-million purchase of Score Media Inc.’s television assets and minority stake in the firm’s new digital media company.
Oct 24, 2012 — News Article: Hate crime investigation launched surrounding Ezra Levant’s Roma broadcast by Eric Mark Do
The Roma Community Centre in Toronto wants police to investigate comments made by Ezra Levant in a recent broadcast on Sun News Network as a hate crime.
Oct 22, 2012 — News Article: Bell asks federal Cabinet to direct CRTC to follow its own policies
BCE submits its request that the federal Cabinet issue a policy direction, under Section 7 of the Broadcasting Act, that directs the CRTC to follow its existing policies when reviewing change of control transactions in broadcasting.
Oct 20, 2012 — News Article: CRTC chair defends shock BCE-Astral Media decision by Etan Vlessing
Chairman says BCE demonstrated clearly that the proposed transaction was good for BCE, but that the CRTC was not persuaded that it was in the best interest of Canadians
Oct 19, 2012 — News Article: Make no mistake, this is a new CRTC by Michael Geist
Columnist says the most important aspect of the rejection of the Bell-Astral merger is that it show's the CRTC will put the public and the public interest at the heart of the review process.
Oct 19, 2012 — News Article: It’s official: BCE to appeal to feds to acquire Astral Media by Etan Vlessing
BCE announces the phone giant will seek approval for its Astral Media takeover by going over the heads of the CRTC with an appeal to the federal cabinet.
Oct 18, 2012 — News Article: Bell shocked by CRTC rejection of Astral transaction, requests Cabinet intervention
Bell says it is appalled that the CRTC would come to a decision that so negatively impacts Canadian consumers and the national broadcast industry, contravenes its own policy and is tainted by behind-the-scenes lobbying by Bell's cable rivals.
Oct 15, 2012 — News Article: John Doyle's advice for the CBC president on his new five-year term by John Doyle
Columnist gives "some unasked-for advice" on the occasion of Hubert Lacroix's reappointment as CBC's president.
Oct 12, 2012 — News Article: In a hands-off era, CRTC rediscovers it’s in charge by Simon Houpt
Columnist says the CRTC appears to be a newly emboldened commission that is tired of caving to pressure from the industry.
Oct 4, 2012 — News Article: Speech by Jean-Pierre Blais
CRTC Chairman sets out his views on the future and mandate of the CRTC.
Sep 28, 2012 — News Article: F.C.C. Backs Proposal to Realign Airwavesby Edward Wyatt
Columnist says the Federal Communications Commission unanimously approved a sweeping proposal to reclaim public airwaves now used for broadcast television and auction them off for use in wireless broadband networks, with a portion of the proceeds paid to the broadcasters.
Sep 13, 2012 — News Article: Rogers opposes Astral takeover by “too powerful” Bell by Val Maloney
Rogers Media executives present their case against the proposed Bell Astral takeover deal before the CRTC.
Sep 11, 2012 — News Article: BCE pitches benefits of $3.3 billion Astral Media takeover to CRTC by Etan Vlessing
CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais puts the onus on Bell Media-parent BCE to explain why its $3.3 billion takeover of Astral Media is good for Canadians.
Sep 4, 2012 — News Article: CRTC sounds alarm over controversial phone apps by Rita Trichur
Columnist says that as companies race to bring innovations to market, technology often moves faster than wireless carriers can keep pace, challenging Canada’s long-standing commitment to consumer privacy
Aug 30, 2012 — News Article: Broadcasting Information Bulletin CRTC 2012-471
Description of how the CRTC will enforce the broadcasting industry’s compliance with the regulatory requirements regarding the loudness of television commercial messages.
Aug 9, 2012 — Policy Brief: Re: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2012-370: Applications 2012-0516-2, 2012-0573-2, 2012-0710-9, 2012-0736-6 and 2012-0735-8 (BCE Acquisition of Astral Media)
FRIENDS recommends that the CRTC consider adopting dispute resolution mechanisms and meaningful penalties to ensure that an acquisition of Astral Media does not allow BCE to take undue advantage of behaviour that would subsequently be judged in contravention of telecom rules.
Aug 2, 2012 — Letter: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2011-379-2
Response from the CRTC to FRIENDS' recommendation that the commission examine the importance of hockey rights to the overall CBC English Television commercial revenue model.
Jul 24, 2012 — News Article: CRTC to broadcasters: Stop trying to game the system by Michael Geist
Columnist says the courts and the CRTC have sent a clear signal that broadcasters should focus on marketplace success, not manipulating the regulatory system.
Jul 18, 2012 — News Article: Consumers’ gain is TV stations’ loss as CRTC cuts local programming fund by Ora Morison
Columnist says a decision to scrap a fund that helps pay for local television programming will save cable and satellite TV subscribers about the cost of a coffee a month, but threatens to put struggling local stations out of business.
Jul 12, 2012 — Policy Brief: Applications by the CBC to renew broadcasting licences for radio, television, and specialty television as per Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-379-2 and your letter to the CBC dated 18 May 2012
FRIENDS recommends that as part of the CBC licence renewal process, the CRTC carefully examine the importance of hockey rights to the overall CBC English Television commercial revenue model.
Jun 27, 2012 — News Article: Ethnic radio broadcasters fight CRTC licence choices by Amanda Stephenson
Three ethnic radio stations are asking the federal government to overturn a decision by the CRTC that saw them passed over for a broadcast licence in favour of an out-of-province broadcaster and an English-language commercial station.
Jun 27, 2012 — News Article: Charity and Prosperity: A Response to the Current Critique on Philanthropy in Canada by Ross McMillan
Speech by Tides Canada President about recent public policy issues regarding advocacy by charities and role of non-Canadian funds in the work of Canadian charities.
Jun 21, 2012 — News Article: Supreme Court Rejects F.C.C. Fines for Indecency by Adam Liptak
The Supreme Court has declined to address whether the government still has the authority to regulate indecency on broadcast television, but it ruled in favor of two broadcasters who had faced potential fines for programs featuring cursing and nudity.
Jun 19, 2012 — News Article: Sun News Network's vulgar response reveals CBSC as toothless, demonstrates need for meaningful regulation by David J. Climenhaga
Columnist says that the point of organizations like the CBSC is to shield their members from the threat of meaningful enforcement of even minimum standards.
Jun 18, 2012 — Policy Brief: Re: PN CRTC 2012-0509-7 CBC Analog Transmitters
FRIENDS says the CRTC should defer a decision on a CBC proposal to cut off free over-the-air TV service to large numbers of Canadians until the Corporation's network licences are reviewed.
Jun 14, 2012 — News Article: Bill C-38 changes to telecom ownership stir foreign takeout talks by Jamie Sturgeon
Columnist says AT&T and others have “taken position” ahead of key changes to foreign-ownership restrictions in the telecom sector being made through the omnibus Bill C-38.
Jun 11, 2012 — News Article: Federal Court Asks CRTC to Review the Status of CBC/Radio-Canada Station CBEF in Windsor
An investigation has concluded that CBC/Radio-Canada had failed to fulfil its obligations under Part VII of the Official Languages Act by not consulting the Francophone community in southwestern Ontario or considering the repercussions that the radio station's closure would have on the community.
Jun 8, 2012 — News Article: Jean-Pierre Blais appointed head of the CRTC
The longtime civil servant replaces Leonard Katz, who was appointed acting chairman in January after Konrad von Finckenstein ended a five-year term as head of the broadcast regulator.
May 21, 2012 — News Article: CRTC Reschedules CBC License Renewal for November 2012 by Etan Vlessing
Columnist says the upcoming regulatory hearing follows Canada's public broadcaster slashing jobs and programming to absorb government cuts.
May 18, 2012 — News Article: Letter to CBC President Hubert Lacroix
Letter to CBC President Hubert Lacroix regarding applications by the public broadcaster to amend the licences of Radio 2, Espace musique, and their affiliated stations to permit national advertising
May 14, 2012 — News Article: CRTC chair appointment likely any day now by Andrew Cardozo
James Maunder, a spokesman for Heritage Minister James Moore says the government will appoint a new CRTC chair in a number of weeks.
Apr 12, 2012 — Policy Brief: Re: Advertising on CBC Radio 2 & Espace Musique
FRIENDS encourages the CRTC to reject a CBC proposal to place ads on Radio 2 & Espace Musique and instead proceed with the long-delayed review of the overall licensing of the Corporation's networks and services.
Mar 23, 2012 — News Article: CRTC dives back into digital content battle by Jamie Sturgeon
Broadcast regulators held expedited hearings to resolve a spat between BCE Inc. and a group of television providers, including Telus Corp., regarding new agreements on the distribution of Bell Media's 29 specialty channels.
Mar 23, 2012 — News Article: Canadian industry reacts to Saskatchewan film tax credit cut by Etan Vlessing
Columnist says local producers, sounding the alarm over the provincial government cut to its film tax credit, predict the local production sector will be hollowed out as they go elsewhere to shoot projects.
Mar 13, 2012 — News Article: Canada's chance to bring copyright law into the digital age by Ysolde Gendreau
Columnist says that just as the Copyright Act is being revised by Parliament, providers of all kinds of communication devices and services - Internet services, smartphones, iPods and the like - are relying on highly conservative legal interpretations and strong lobbying to avoid liability for their part in the dissemination of works to the public.
Mar 5, 2012 — News Article: Small Internet providers seek price relief by Jamie Sturgeon
The country's independent ISPs are planning to ask federal regulators to strike down a ruling that, if fully implemented, will see costly tariffs imposed by big network owners such as BCE Inc.
Feb 15, 2012 — Policy Brief: Re: BN CRTC 2011-788 – Review of Local Programming Improvement Fund
FRIENDS recommends that the CRTC bend over backwards to defend and protect the position of smaller ownership groups in view of the undue influence of the largest players in the broadcasting system.
Feb 14, 2012 — News Article: Who's paying what into LPIF
The CRTC has released new numbers for the Local Programming Improvement Fund which indicate Shaw Communications paid the most into the fund, followed by Bell Canada and Rogers Cable.
Feb 6, 2012 — News Article: CRTC delays CBC licence renewal until after budget by Steve Ladurantaye
The CRTC has agreed to postpone Canadian Broadcasting Corp.'s licence renewal application until after a federal budget that is expected to reduce its funding.
Feb 4, 2012 — News Article: CRTC’s new sheriff faces challenges of digital age
Columnist says the themes for the CRTC have remained the same: how to effectively regulate amidst technological change and ensure that Canadian content remains vibrant in a tidal wave of foreign content.
Jan 30, 2012 — News Article: The Biggest Risk to the Economy in 2012, and What’s the Economy For Anyway? by Robert Reich
Columnist says the crisis of capitalism marks the triumph of consumers and investors over workers and citizens and the increasing efficiency by which all of us as consumers can get great deals with our declining capacity as citizens.
Jan 23, 2012 — News Article: COMMENTARY: Growth of new media means the job of CRTC chair will only get tougher by Peter Miller
Peter Miller comments on the nature of the job for the CRTC Chairman, and perhaps most importantly, the challenges a new chair will face over the next five years.
Jan 22, 2012 — News Article: Canada needs to reinvent CRTC, outgoing head says by Gordon Pitts
Outgoing CRTC Chairman says the Internet and wireless technology has disarmed federal regulators of their weapons to protect cultural identity.
Jan 19, 2012 — News Article: Don’t ease telecom foreign investment rules, NDP warns by Rita Trichur
The NDP says the federal government should not liberalize Canada’s foreign investment rules for the telecommunications sector, not even for smaller companies, because there is little proof that doing so would benefit consumers.
Jan 19, 2012 — News Article: NDP, Wind Mobile disagree on foreign ownership in the telecom industry by LuAnn LaSalle
The head of Wind Mobile says Canada should clarify its ownership rules for the wireless industry to attract more foreign investment, not discourage it, because the outside capital has brought consumers more competition and lower prices.
Jan 13, 2012 — News Article: Users choked up over Internet throttling by Sarah Schmidt
The CRTC says complaints against Internet providers deliberately slowing down online traffic are way up in Canada.
Jan 11, 2012 — News Article: Wanted: new CRTC chairperson
The process to find the new chairperson of the CRTC is officially underway, less than two weeks before outgoing chair Konrad von Finckenstein’s term expires on January 24.
Jan 6, 2012 — News Article: CRTC Empire strikes back: UBB Redux
The newly formed Online Party of Canada is calling on Canadians to take political action via the Internet by commenting, voting and sharing the many telecomm-related issues on their website.
Jan 5, 2012 — News Article: Independent Internet providers challenge CRTC by Jamie Sturgeon
The country's independent Internet providers are challenging a CRTC ruling that allows large network operators like BCE Inc. to raise rates on smaller providers and their customers.
Jan 4, 2012 — News Article: New Internet pricing rules spark jump in customer bills by Rita Trichur
TekSavvy Solutions Inc. has become the first independent Internet service provider to raise consumer prices following the CRTC’s recent compromise decision on usage-based billing.
