Abstract
For more than 50 years, Canadian content regulations have been a key component of Canada’s broadcasting policy. Traditional television broadcasters are required to air a certain percentage of Canadian programs. To qualify as a “Canadian” program, sufficient points must be earned by employing Canadians in key creative positions. Canadian content is based on the citizenship of those working on the production rather than the subject matter. This regulatory regime was put in place to provide a counterbalance to the American entertainment industry. However, audiences in Canada traditionally prefer American programs because of the flashier production values, creative scripts, and A-list talent. With the emergence of streaming services such as Netflix, the Canadian government’s long-term policy paradigm is becoming more difficult to justify. Canada’s broadcasting regulator, the Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has not subjected streaming services to the same content regulations that traditional broadcasters must follow. This means that traditional broadcasters operating in an environment of audience fragmentation due to increased competition from streaming services are at a clear competitive disadvantage. This paper will argue that Canadian content regulations are so entrenched that the government cannot imagine a policy framework without them – even if they have become outdated and ineffective. By clinging to this approach, the CRTC missed an opportunity to update its policy to better reflect the reality of broadcasting today.
Presenters
James KillingsworthLecturer, Media Studies, University of Guelph-Humber, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Regulation, Broadcasting Policy, Canadian Content, Streaming Services
