Source: Mediacaster

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC, or the Commission) is expected to release its decisions and/or regulatory policies regarding community television and community-based media policies.

During public hearings held last spring on the Commission's community-based media policy, discussions were held about the overall objectives of community TV service provision, the success or lack thereof of those objectives, funding mechanisms for community media and the impact of new digital media technologies.

However, the CRTC has stated that it "considers that it might be appropriate to eliminate the regulatory requirement that the community channel, if offered, be distributed as part of the basic service".

The upcoming hearings have therefore attracted much attention and input from industry participants and community advocates.

The Commission last reviewed the policies in 2001, and in the following year, it described the overall objectives of community media as fostering a greater diversity of media voices and choices at the local level, and the creation and distribution of more locally-produced community programming.

The Commission noted at the time that, as the country's Broadcasting Act sees "community" right alongside "public" and "private" as one of the three key elements of the Canadian broadcasting system, qualified requirements for providing community channels by broadcast distribution undertakings (BDUs) were established.

The impact of those requirements, both at the community level and on broadcasters across the country, will be assessed in the CRTC decision. The CRTC is expected to comment on existing and new funding mechanisms for community media, and to look at direct advertising and placed sponsorships as well.

The Commission will also comment on the impact and potential use of new media technologies like the Internet, VOD and DTH distribution, on community media access and services.

The Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS), an industry advocacy group speaking on behalf of community TV channel service, told the Commission that so-called "community" TV channels have been transformed into regional TV networks across the country, dramatically impacting the actual amount of local content origination.

CACTUS has proposed that the CRTC adopt a community-based model for multi-media training and production that would bring local and user generated content back to more than 250 communities across Canada, at no new cost to subscribers.

Another industry group, the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, says it supports the CACTUS proposition, adding that Canada needs a television platform for local debate, culture, and experimental programming that is controlled by citizens, not cable monopolies.

Cable companies that presented at the hearings described the great amount of local content they produce, citing surveys and audience analysis that shows support for their efforts on community channels.

© Mediacaster