The federal government says it will direct the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to review a recent decision that triples the financial contributions streaming services make toward Canadian (Cancon) programming. Ottawa frames the move as part of implementing the Online Streaming Act and says the review is intended to address concerns about consumer costs.
According to reporting, the government will issue a policy direction to the CRTC regarding how it should apply the Online Streaming Act. The government also links the direction to broader support for Canada’s audio and audiovisual sectors, stating it will provide $600 million.
While the CRTC’s decision increased streamer funding requirements for domestic content, Ottawa’s order calls for further consideration of how the rules take effect and their impact. The review indicates the government is seeking reassessment before the higher contribution levels are fully settled under the new framework. The CRTC review process will determine what changes, if any, the commission makes to the contribution scheme.
