CRTC approves plan to launch the Canadian Broadcasting Participation Fund

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, March 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved a proposal to establish the Canadian Broadcasting Participation Fund. This independent fund will help public-interest and consumer groups offset the costs of participating in the CRTC's broadcasting proceedings.

"Each year, we hold dozens of public proceedings to gather views from the communications industry and the public," said Leonard Katz, the CRTC's Acting Chairman. "It is important that we receive a wide range of submissions to help shape our broadcasting decisions and policies. This new fund will help ensure that the voices of Canadians are heard through the participation of groups that represent their interests."

When BCE purchased CTVglobemedia in 2011, it committed $3 million to create the Canadian Broadcasting Participation Fund. The company subsequently presented a proposal to the CRTC. Representatives from different consumer groups were consulted and provided their comments through an open consultation process.

The fund will also support groups in the research, analysis and advocacy, in English and French, of issues related to broadcasting proceedings. The CRTC is requiring that the fund provide services and publish documents (such as policies, funding criteria and annual reports) in both official languages.

The CRTC is directing the fund to start providing cost support to public interest groups and consumer groups within 60 days. The CRTC expects that any cost incurred as of now could be included in a cost application.

A mechanism also exists to support the participation of individuals and groups who represent consumer interests in the CRTC's telecommunications proceeding.

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2012-181

Reference documents:

News release, "CRTC approves BCE's purchase of CTVglobemedia," March 7, 2011

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2011-163

Media Relations:
http://support.crtc.gc.ca/CRTCSubmissionMU/forms/Mediarelations.aspx?lang=e
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

General Inquiries:
Tel: [phone], TDD: 819-994-0423, Fax: [phone]
Toll-free # 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
TDD - Toll-free # 1-877-909-CRTC (2782)
http://crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E

These documents are available in alternative format upon request.