Media and Telecom Companies Seek Regulatory Relief from CRTC Amid Streaming Competition
Streaming is causing disruption in the Canadian broadcast system, leaving old-school media and telecom companies struggling to compete. They are urging the country’s broadcast regulator to take a lighter approach.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is conducting consultations on how the Canadian broadcasting system can adapt to the shift from traditional TV to international streaming services.
This is part of the regulatory work to implement the Online Streaming Act, which updated broadcasting laws to include online platforms.
The CRTC initiated a consultation in January to analyze market dynamics as Canadians transition from traditional broadcasting and cable to streaming services dominated by global giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+.
Submissions were due on Monday, and the CRTC plans to hold a consultation hearing in May in Gatineau, Que.
In its submission, Rogers argued that the rules set by the CRTC for traditional cable and satellite TV markets are now disadvantaging those companies against online streaming services.
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Rogers stated in its filing that many of the CRTC’s current regulatory tools are ineffective and hinder Canadian broadcasting companies compared to global streaming giants.
Bell requested the CRTC to recognize the need for some deregulation in the traditional system. It also emphasized that traditional broadcasters should have offsetting advantages if they continue to face regulatory burdens.
Bell, the owner of the Crave streaming service, advocated for new regulations on foreign streamers to promote Canadian and Indigenous content available through Canadian TV broadcasters and their streaming services.
In its submission, Bell highlighted several rules that apply to the traditional system but not to foreign streamers.
Major U.S. streamers urged the CRTC not to apply regulations designed for the traditional cable and satellite system to the online market.
Paramount advised the CRTC to reject proposals to impose traditional regulatory tools on online platforms.
Apple pointed out that current rules were tailored for the traditional system’s vertical integration and may not be suitable for online platforms.
Netflix emphasized that the CRTC does not have jurisdiction over the commercial dealings between online entities and other broadcast companies, urging the regulator to avoid overreaching into these relationships.
