In a decision handed down Thursday, the Governor General in Council sends the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) back to its drawing board, requiring a reconsideration and a new hearing concerning the conditions for the renewal of broadcasting licenses for audiovisual services and French-language and English-language audio from Société Radio-Canada.
Posted at 5:11 p.m.
After receiving 16 written requests for cancellation or referral for reconsideration, including a recommendation from Canadian Heritage, the regulatory authority of the federal agency decided to reverse the decision taken on June 22 by the CRTC.
“It is essential that, as part of its review and rehearing, the Commission consider how to ensure that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as the national public broadcaster, continues to make a significant contribution to the creation, presentation and dissemination of local news, children’s programming, original French-language programming and programming produced by independent producers,” wrote the Governor General in her decision.
In its decision of June 22, the CRTC imposed no obligation with respect to independent productions, local programming, or any minimum requirement for the broadcast of French-language programming intended for children and young people.
The Quebec Association of Media Production (AQPM) was also delighted with this reversal of the situation.
“The AQPM is relieved that the government is thus questioning this decision which constituted a dangerous precedent while a reflection is underway on the possible regulatory framework for online businesses through Bill C-11. [loi sur la protection de la vie privée] said Hélène Messier, President and CEO of the AQPM, in a press release.