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MONTREAL — With Canadians watching more TV shows and video on websites, the CRTC is reviewing its policy of allowing broadcasting content to be unregulated on the Internet and cellphones.

The federal broadcast regulator has taken a hands-off approach to the distribution of broadcasting content over the Internet since 1999, while continuing to regulate radio and television outlets.

The CRTC also exempted broadcasting services that are received on cellphones and other mobile devices in 2007.

But, the growing dominance of the Internet is causing the CRTC to take a look at what it calls the "new media environment."

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OTTAWA-GATINEAU — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today launched a proceeding to gain a better understanding of broadcasting in the new media environment. The proceeding will include a public hearing starting on February 17, 2009, in Gatineau, Que.

In 1999, the Commission exempted from regulation services that distribute broadcasting content over the Internet. In 2007, it also exempted broadcasting services that are received through cellphones and other mobile devices. Today, high-speed Internet access has been adopted by most Canadians, new technologies and applications are offering high-quality broadcasting content, and Canadians are spending more time accessing this type of content over the Internet and mobile devices.

With this proceeding, the Commission wishes to further examine the role of broadcasting in the current new media environment, and what role this environment can be expected to play in the Canadian broadcasting system in the future.

The Commission initiated a public consultation in May 2008 to narrow the range of issues that could be considered. Further to this consultation, the CRTC now invites comments on specific questions related to:

* the definition of broadcasting in new media
* the significance of broadcasting in new media and its impact on the traditional broadcasting system
* incentives or regulatory measures for the creation and promotion of Canadian broadcasting content in new media
* access to broadcasting content in new media
* other broadcasting or public policy objectives, and
* the appropriateness of the Commission's exemption orders for new media and mobile broadcasting services.

Interested parties may submit their comments by December 5, 2008. They may do so by filling out the online form, by writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or by fax, at
819-994-0218.

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