CRTC looks at online broadcasting

mediacaster - In remarks at the nextMedia Conference last week, CRTC Commissioner Rita Cugini outlined the Commission's particular interest in the online audio and audiovisual services that deliver experiences similar to conventional television and radio, part of the CRTC New Media Project Initiative.

Commissioner Cugini noted that the CRTC has not made it mind on the challenging issues facing the new media industry in Canada, nor does in know how continuing initiatives to address the situation will turn out.

Commissioner Cugini mentioned the three questions the CRTC is trying to answer: First, is it necessary to develop measures to ensure that broadcasting delivered over the internet and through mobile devices contributes to the objectives of the Broadcasting Act? Second, if it is necessary, can it be done? And finally, if it can be done, how should it be done?

The CRTC first took a look at new media in 1999; in March of this year, it launched a new New Media Initiative, the first phase of which is now completed.

The meeting and industry conference in Toronto was an important part of the second phase, the Commission described, saying it will issue a report in 2008 followed by public hearings.