CRTC TO GO AHEAD WITH RADIO REVIEW

ByrnesMedia Report/CRTC Release

The CRTC yesterday stated its Commercial Radio Policy review decision in a letter to CAB President, Glenn O’Farrell.

The Commission informed Mr. Farrell it will indeed move forward with the review despite the CAB and music industry lobbies to defer any such proceeding for at least two years.

The contents of the letter follow.

Ottawa, 4 November 2005

 

Glenn O'Farrell

President & CEO

Canadian Association of Broadcasters

306-350 Sparks St .

Ottawa , ON

K1P 5S2

 

Fax: (613) 233-6961

 

Dear Mr. O'Farrell:

 

Thank you for your letters of 20 September 2005 and 25 October 2005 requesting that the Commission delay its proposed review of its 1998 Commercial Radio Policy.

 

The Commission has reviewed your request as well as letters received from a number of representatives of the Canadian music industry.

 

While the Commission feels that you have raised some interesting points, it considers that a review of the Commercial Radio Policy is timely and that any further delay would not be advisable, especially given the many technological and other changes taking place and the impacts they may have on the radio and music sectors. In the Commission’s view, a policy review will, amongst other things, provide an opportunity to discuss the most effective Canadian content and Canadian talent development measures in support of Canadian music and artists.

 

In addition, the Commission considers that it is the appropriate time to ensure that all regulatory, commercial and technological options are explored in order to facilitate radio’s successful transition to digital transmission and reception.

 

The Commission will issue shortly a Public Notice setting out the dates for a review of the Commercial Radio Policy and the issues that the Commission considers to be of particular importance.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Diane Rhéaume

Secretary General

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