News release

December 21, 2001

CRTC proposes new policy framework for
 community-based media: Promotes local programming, citizen access
 and diversity of voices

OTTAWA-HULL — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is seeking comments on a proposed new policy framework for community-based media issued today (Public Notice CRTC 2001-129). The proposed framework sets out new or revised policies for community channels, low-power television stations and low-power radio stations.

The proposed new policy framework will ensure more creation and exhibition of locally-produced programming that reflects the community. It will also foster the creation of alternatives for community programming by making it easier for new entrants to get involved in broadcasting at the local level.

The Commission is looking for comments, suggestions or alternatives to the proposals set out in the public notice outlining the policy framework. Comments may be filed electronically or via hard-copy by Friday, February 22, 2002.

Hard-copy comments should be sent to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, K1A 0N2. Electronic copies may be sent via e-mail to procedure@crtc.gc.ca.

Highlights from the proposed new policy framework are set out below. For more complete information, see the reference document.

Proposed policy framework highlights

The CRTC recognizes the important role played by the community channel in the community. It should primarily be a public service and facilitate self-expression through free and open access by members of the community. To that end, the Commission has proposed a number of revisions and clarifications to the 1991 Community Channel Policy covering local programming, community access, financial support and limits on cable company self-promotion.

The Commission has also established a new class of broadcasting licence for community programming—the community programming undertaking—that will provide opportunities for not-for-profit community groups to provide community programming where the cable company chooses not to operate a channel in accordance with the policy.

The Commission proposes to create another new class of licence to be called "Community-based television programming undertaking". The proposed licensing framework for these advertisement-supported undertakings includes two sub-categories:

• Community-based low-power television undertakings
• Community-based digital television services.

These new services will provide a high level of locally-produced programming that reflects the community and complements the programming already provided by conventional stations and the cable community channel.

Low-power radio services make an important contribution to the Canadian broadcasting system. The proposed policy sets out general goals for low-power radio, defines the markets where low-power frequencies are scarce, and suggests minor amendments to the 1993 Licence Policy for Low Power Radio.

Those wishing to obtain a low-power radio licence will have to demonstrate that they are contributing a new and diverse voice to their market, they complement rather than duplicate existing services, and they fulfill the needs of the community.

Reference Document: Public Notice CRTC 2001-129

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

- 30 -

Media Inquiries:
   Denis Carmel, Tel: (819) 997-9403, eMail: denis.carmel@crtc.gc.ca

General Inquiries:
   Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2
   Tel: (819) 997-0313, TDD: (819) 994-0423, Fax: (819) 994-0218
   Toll-free # 1-877-249-CRTC (2782), eMail: info@crtc.gc.ca
   TDD - Toll-free # 1-877-909-2782

Copies of today’s documents are available through our Internet site (http://www.crtc.gc.ca) or by contacting the public examination room of any CRTC office. These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

Date Modified: 2001-12-21

Comments about our site

Today's Releases | File, Register and Epass | Decisions, Notices & Orders | Home | CISC | Industries at a Glance | Reference Centre | Canadian Content | Public Proceedings| Statutes & Regulations