DAVID COLVILLE CHALLENGES CBTA MEMBERSHIP
TO TAKE PART IN NEW MEDIA DEBATE

TORONTO — David Colville, Vice-Chairman, Telecommunications, of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, urged the membership of the Canadian Business Telecommunications Alliance to become more involved in the debate over the new media.

"Ultimately, the CRTC’s business is everyone’s business. For the business community, future business solutions should also include your input into public regulatory issues in telecommunications. Your insight would be of great value and your interests would be better served."

New media proceedings have been scheduled for the fall to address three issues: how does the new media affect regulation of traditional broadcasting undertakings of radio, TV and cable; to what extent does new media constitute services already defined by the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Acts; and what other recommendations should be made to government on other broader regulatory issues.

The proceedings are necessary because a great deal of uncertainty has been generated by the new media which could materially affect Canada’s economic, cultural and social future. "I do not want to be accused of a "Sin of Omission" should we fail to address these important policy issues", stated Mr. Colville.

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