CRTC to seek views on a compensation regime for the value of local television
signals

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, Sept. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Further to a request from the Government of Canada , the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that it will consult the public on the implications of implementing a compensation regime for the value of local television signals.

The CRTC will conduct a public hearing on this matter in December 2009 , during which it will take into account:

    
    -   The impact of a compensation regime on consumers, and in particular,
        its impact on affordable access to a variety of local and regional
        news, information and public affairs programming.

    -   How the application of such a regime would impact the various
        components of the communications industry as it adapts to the new
        digital environment, and in particular, the implications on current
        and emerging business models.
    

In accordance with section 15 of the Broadcasting Act, the CRTC will submit a report to the government after the conclusion of the public hearing. Further details on the December hearing will be made available shortly.

For more information, please see the CRTC's response http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/public/2009/comletters/lb090916.htm to the prior consultation from the government on the terms of the section 15 order as well as the Order-in-Council P.C. 2009-1569 http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/oic-ddc.asp?lang=eng&Page=secretariats&txtOICID=&txtFromDate=2009-09-16&txtToDate=2009-09-17&txtPrecis=&txtDepartment=&txtAct=&txtChapterNo=&txtChapterYear=&txtBillNo=&rdoComingIntoForce=&DoSearch=Search+/+List.

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada .

These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

For further information: Media Relations: http://support.crtc.gc.ca/CRTCSubmissionMU/forms/Mediarelations.aspx?lang=e, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]; General Inquiries: Tel: [phone], TDD: [phone], Fax: [phone], Toll-free No. 1-877-249-CRTC (2782), TDD - Toll-free No. 1-877-909-CRTC (2782), Ask a question or make a complaint http://crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E