Faced with the discontent of the cultural community, particularly that of the audiovisual sector, Ottawa orders the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to review its decision on the renewal of the licenses granted to the Société Radio-Canada (SRC), considering that it “does not further the objectives of the Broadcasting Act”.
After analyzing some fifteen requests for cancellation or reconsideration — including a letter from the Quebec Minister of Culture, Nathalie Roy, and a recommendation from the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez — , the Governor General decided to reverse the decision taken on June 22 by the CRTC regarding the broadcasting licenses of the SRC.
The federal body will therefore have to reconsider its decision and hold a new hearing to gather the opinion of the players in the community. ” It is essential […] that the Commission consider how to ensure that the CBC continues to make a significant contribution to the creation, presentation and dissemination of local news, children’s programming, original French-language programming and programs produced by independent producers,” wrote the Governor General in her decision released Thursday.
By renewing the licenses of the CBC / Radio-Canada last June, the CRTC – which regulates electronic media in the country – had in fact decided to relax the conditions to which the public broadcaster had to comply, removing certain obligations, in particular programming thresholds for independent productions, local news, programs in French or even productions intended for children. In return, it needed to invest more in its content from producers who are Indigenous, racialized, disabled, or who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The rationale for the federal agency at the time? Maintaining the old requirements could prevent the CBC from having “the flexibility required in an evolving broadcasting system” and hamper “its ability to produce content that is enlightening, relevant and reflective of Canadians.”
The sudden lifting of the conditions to which CBC / Radio-Canada had to submit for decades was at the heart of the dissatisfaction of the organizations in the field. They argued that this ran counter to federal broadcasting policy objectives and jeopardized the future of the independent media production sector in Canada.
reactions
Contacted by The dutythe CRTC indicated on Thursday “to take note” of the Governor General’s decision and intends to provide “further information at a later date”.
For its part, the SRC has confirmed its participation in the process of reviewing its new licenses. “As we mentioned during our license renewal, this evolution [du paysage de la radiodiffusion] does not change our commitment to offer quality Canadian programming, including local news, children’s programming in both official languages, original French-language programming, and to continue our important partnerships with Canadian independent producers,” said Leon Mar, institutional spokesperson for the state-owned company.
Organizations that have gone to the front in recent weeks have been quick to express their joy at this turnaround. ” [Nous sommes] relieved that the government is 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″, reacted in a press release. Hélène Messier, President and CEO of the Association québécoise de la production musicale (AQPM), which represents and supports more than 160 Quebec independent production companies in film, television and on the Web.
Minister Nathalie Roy also welcomed the news, insisting by email on the fact that it is “essential that the SRC offer varied, independent programming, close to the needs of citizens and reflecting local and regional particularities and interests, while promoting the French language.