The CRTC seeks input from Canadians as it undertakes an online consultation
on the implications of implementing a compensation regime for the value of
local television signals

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, Nov. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today opened an online consultation to receive the comments of Canadians on the future of television. This consultation is part of the public hearing that will begin on December 7, 2009 , in Gatineau, Que. The government has requested that the CRTC submit a report following the public hearing.

The Canadian broadcasting system is evolving quickly, and some regulatory changes may prove necessary. The Commission is looking at various options, including the possibility of negotiations between local stations and cable and satellite companies to determine the value of signals, and the transition of television signals from analog to digital. With this online consultation, the CRTC is seeking the views of consumers and the industry on the impact such developments could have on:

    
    -  the availability of local television services, including local news,
       information and public affairs programming
    -  the ability to choose different types of channels and packages
    -  the affordability of cable and satellite television services
    -  the industry as it adapts to the new digital communications
       environment, and
    -  the industry's current or future business plans.
    

The CRTC has already received numerous comments since the public hearing was announced. These were submitted by fax, e-mail or through the online form. With the online consultation, the CRTC is offering consumers a new way to express their opinions. The CRTC will take all comments received into account when preparing its report.

The online consultation will conclude on December 21, 2009 , at midnight (EST). You may participate by visiting the following Web address: http://television.askingcanadians.com.

The CRTC

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

Reference documents:

News release, "The CRTC seeks consumer input on television services," October 2, 2009 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/news/releases/2009/r091002.htm

News release, "CRTC to seek views on a compensation regime for the value of local television services," September 17, 2009 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/news/releases/2009/r090917.htm

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-614 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2009/2009-614.htm

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), http://crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E