Speech
Notes for an address
by Charles Dalfen
Chairman, Canadian Radio-television
and Telecommunications Commission
to the Western Association of Broadcasters Annual Conference
Kananaskis, Alberta
June 15th, 2002
(CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY)
Introduction
Thank you, Mark.
Good morning, everyone.
It's a pleasure to join you here in the tranquility of Kananaskis before it is
transformed temporarily into the most heavily armed place outside of Kandahar.
One of the joys of returning to the CRTC after 20 years in private practice is
to be able to get out to events like this, and meet so many of you who have
helped shape Canadian broadcasting, and make it the strong force that it is in
our society.
Here in the West, broadcasting has proudly carried forward the pioneering
spirit, ensuring that the distinctive nature of Western Canada is prominently
reflected on our airwaves.
The West is a huge factor in making Canada different from anywhere else in the
world, and WAB members have consistently excelled at making sure that the West's
voice is heard.
In this age of globalization, satellites and the free flow of information , it
is increasingly important that Canadians tell their own stories and hear their
own voices.
That's something Canadians realize.
In fact, a 2001 Ekos Research poll indicated that almost 75 percent of
Canadians say that it's "very important" that the country maintains a unique
system of values and national identity.
At last count, there were sixteen hundred broadcasting licences in the Western
provinces. and given the range of diversity this represents, I believe we're on a
good footing to ensure that our national identity and our values have a high
profile in the West.
As I mentioned, and as many of you are aware, it has been over two decades
since I left the Commission as Vice-Chair in 1980.
Much has changed in that time. particularly in the broadcasting sector. In
fact, your industry has probably changed more than during any other comparable
time in its history.
Consumers are inundated with more choices.
Established players face more competition.
Given this immense change, during these initial months I've been doing much
more listening than talking. attempting to get a sense of perspective from people
like yourselves, as well as an idea of the expectations you have.
I've been asked frequently whether I returned to the Commission with an agenda
for sweeping changes in the way we operate.
My answer is that I don't see the need for major changes.
I believe that the CRTC has done a superb job both in carrying out its mandate
and in maintaining the respect of Canadians.
So, rather than extensive change, what I hope will characterize my tenure as
Chairman are certain values, values such as integrity, quality and civility.
I believe that integrity should characterize both our processes and our
products. which, primarily, are our decisions and our major public notices such
as the one issued earlier this week on our transitional television licensing
policy.
People who participate in our processes and read our decisions should have a
clear sense that they have been given a fair hearing by the Commission.
A respect for quality will ensure that our activities and decisions convey
thoughtfulness, knowledge and common sense.
And civility will mean being respectful of each other, even when we disagree.
A balanced approach
In turning to the broadcast issues that face the Commission, let me add one
more value that relates directly to the theme of your conference: balance.
As any regulatory or quasi-judicial body, the CRTC is in the business of
weighing arguments on a daily basis. measuring what we hear against the
provisions of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Acts
that govern us, and passing judgements on the issues before us.
We constantly seek to achieve a balance among various interests in order to
try and further the public interest.
We weigh cultural and industrial objectives. the interests of content
creators, broadcasters and audiences. the desires of independent operators and
national chains.
We seek to achieve a balance between the players in the industry, the need for
diversity and the community values of audiences.
And among the goals guiding us as we go forward is that of letting more voices
be heard. a reflection of Canada's cultural diversity.
Of course, external forces frequently intervene to make our balancing act even
more challenging.
Foremost among these forces in recent times has been the uncertain economy.
While the economic climate here in Alberta continues to be favourable, on the
other side of the Rockies the interior of British Columbia is facing more
difficult times.
And while Manitoba is on a relatively even keel, Saskatchewan has its
challenges. resulting from several years of bad farming weather.
These are factors that we must bear in mind, and we want you to know that
we're sensitive to the fact that there are major differences across the West.
We also realize that there are major differences between populous urban
markets and less populated rural ones.
In many cases, balance takes care of itself, and I want to reiterate that
another thing that will not change on my watch is the Commission's preference to
stay out of the management of your businesses.
Our job is to be there when necessary, to set clear and practical rules in
place, so that you will be in a position to make the right business decisions. We
will regulate only when necessary, and as far as necessary, to meet the
objectives of the Broadcasting Act.
We want to encourage competition, which we believe keeps the industry healthy,
drives technological innovation and creates more choice and better service for
the consumer.
At the same time we have to try and ensure fair competition. which is why we
are sensitive to issues like the pressure you are feeling from DTH.
We have a process in place to examine the issue, and we've received comments
from concerned parties. We are also aware of the negotiations that are ongoing
between the CAB and DTH suppliers. I believe we have grounds for cautious
optimism.
On the radio side of broadcasting. competition abounds.
The industry has taken advantage of the opportunities created by the
Commission to allow consolidation where it makes sense, and a number of strong
independent owners here in the West are accounting for a significant portion of
the industry's revenues.
In the West, and elsewhere, we have actively licensed new initiatives,
favouring new voices.
In both radio and television, we have also sought a balance between the
broadcaster's natural desire to appeal to the greatest number of people and the
needs of various minorities. This holds true whether they are ethnic communities
with a desire to see themselves reflected in the broadcasting mosaic, or
Canadians with special needs who require alternative arrangements to gain access.
The way ahead
Before closing this morning, I'd like to give you a brief look at what's on
the Commission's agenda of particular concern to Western broadcasters.
As you know, the CRTC is in the final phase of a three-year plan, with a broad
agenda of encouraging a variety of choices and a strong Canadian presence.
I intend to build on past success with new regulatory policies during this
year and next.
As I mentioned earlier, we have just issued the new licensing policy for
over-the-air digital television, which deals with issues such as licensing
timeframes, including fast track licensing, additional programming that might be
offered under transitional digital licences, and other ongoing issues concerning
the transition from analog to digital.
Before long, we will be reviewing our commercial radio policy and we'll also
be looking at the replacement of the transitional digital radio policy with a
final policy.
This year, approximately 12 public hearings and several written interventions
associated with public proceedings are scheduled.
We will also be releasing a new policy on community media including a revised
community channel policy and a new licensing framework for community-based
television. We hope that these new policies will increase the number of
broadcasting voices at the community level both in the West and across the
country.
Beyond that, it is a high priority of mine to explore the unrealized potential
to create and air truly Canadian English-language television drama series that
can attract large audiences on a consistent basis.
I will be looking for your input, and depending on your experience to help
solve our ongoing national challenge of telling our own stories and reflecting
the lifestyles and values of Canadians to a broad audience.
So I know we'll see each other again soon, if not in such majestic
surroundings.
I wish you well with the rest of your meetings, and I thank you for your warm
welcome this morning.
- 30 -
Contact: Denis Carmel, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2
Tel.: (819)
997-9403, TDD: (819) 994-0423, Fax: (819) 997-4245
e-Mail:
denis.carmel@crtc.gc.ca
Toll-free # 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
TDD -
Toll-free # 1-877-909-2782
This document is available in alternative format upon request.
Date Modified: 2002-06-15 |
