Representing the Consumer in Broadcasting

Author

Michael Janigan

Organization

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

Published

2008

Summary

In accordance with the Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC PN 2007-10, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre reviewed the current regulatory framework for broadcast distribution undertakings (BDU) licensed by the Commission and made written and oral submissions to the hearing panel on behalf of ordinary and vulnerable consumers. The submissions included a synopsis of developments arising since the Commission's 1997 BDU Framework Review and an analysis of the way in which the current regulation is meeting the needs of consumers in relation to competition, price, value, choice and community programming. The issue of the phase out of analogue television in 2011 was also addressed in the PIAC submissions and the CRTC proceeding itself was expanded to consider issues of fees for formerly available over the air programming. PIAC analysis and recommendations were augmented by the conduct of a public survey, the results of which were included in the initial comments and our presentation before the Commission. In the context of this proceeding, PIAC also did work in accordance with the terms of its 2008-2009 project on the fee for carriage issue. We have not segregated the written materials associated with each as the issue arose in the latter stages of this proceeding. However, we were able to represent the position that any fee for carriage for formerly over the air (OTA) signals was, in the main, premature and there was no empirical basis for determining that such fees were necessary to accomplish the goals of the Broadcasting Act. The Commission decided that the issue of the requirements for community programming, and advertising in relation to the same would be determined at a later proceeding. Our work in this project will inform our comments in that proceeding when it comes about. A Commission decision on the other aspects of Broadcasting Public Hearing Notice 2007-10 has yet to be released.

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OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database