Media, telecom firms ask CRTC to ease up on regulation

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Ottawa – They want the country’s broadcast regulator to be easier because streaming, old-fashioned media and telecom companies say they are struggling to compete.

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The Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is in consultation on how the Canadian broadcasting system can move from traditional television to international streaming media.

This is part of the work of regulators to implement the Online Streaming Act, which updates broadcast laws to capture online platforms.

As Canadians shifted from traditional broadcasting and cable, the consulting began studying market dynamics in January, which was bound by various CRTC rules and regulations – the streaming service was dominated by international giants such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.

The filing filing will be submitted Monday, and the CRTC will also hold a consulting hearing at Que Gatineau in May.

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Rogers argued in the submission that the rules implemented by CRTC manage the traditional cable and satellite TV markets now put these companies at a disadvantage with online streaming companies.

“Many of the committee’s existing regulatory tools are ineffective because they undermine the competitiveness of Canadian broadcasters and the competitiveness of global streaming giants,” Rogers said in the filing.

“These tools—the vast majority of tools that achieve the policy objectives of the bill—have dragged down the Canadian broadcasting system by curbing innovation, investment and risk.”

Rogers cites regulations regarding mandatory distribution of certain TV channels, and how providers must package cable products for TV channels, including the requirement that TV providers must provide a $25 basic cable kit.

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Bell asked the CRTC to “recognize the need for deregulation of traditional systems.”

It also believes that “within the scope of traditional broadcasters continuing to bear the asymmetric regulatory burden”, a “offset advantage” should be given.

Bell, who owns the Crave streaming service, also asked the CRTC to introduce new regulations on foreign streaming to promote Canadian and Indigenous content provided by Canadian TV Broadcasting Corporation and its affiliated streaming services.

In the submission, it lists many rules that apply to traditional systems but not to foreign streamers.

“While we think these regulations are counterproductive even in closed systems, at least they always apply to all participants,” Bell said.

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“But, since foreign streamers have established their dominance in Canada’s open broadcast system, many of the rules have greatly undermined the competitiveness of our services.”

In their submission, large U.S. streamers urged CRTC not to formulate regulations for traditional cable and satellite systems in the online marketplace.

Paramount said CRTC should “reject simply convert prescriptive regulatory tools and requirements for closed linear broadcasting systems design into online businesses.”

Apple told CRTC that the current rules are mainly to address vertical integration in traditional systems, and these “tools are neither suitable for online businesses.”

One rule it pointed out pointed to a vertically integrated company that has both broadcast channels and cable companies that cannot carry them inappropriately.

Netflix told CRTC that there is no jurisdiction over the commercial terms and conditions of the content owners providing plans.

“Therefore, the committee must stomp gently and avoid going beyond the economic relationship between online businesses and other broadcasting entities,” it said.

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