The CRTC is asking for comments on a Part 1 application from the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF) to expand its mandate so it can provide financial support for public interest participation in Online News Act proceedings.
The BPF was established in 2012 to help support research and reimburse the costs of public interest participation in the CRTC’s broadcasting proceedings.
A Part 1 application dated June 18, posted to the CRTC’s website on July 5, proposes that the BPF’s mandate now be expanded to accept applications for public interest intervenor costs in CRTC digital news proceedings under the Online News Act (ONA).
“The CRTC has stated that it would be using the Rules of Practice and Procedure for ONA proceedings and that CRTC staff has been exploring potential options to support public interest participation in ONA proceedings. Given that the CRTC is in the midst of public consultations to gather views of Canadians and interested parties on the regulatory framework for the ONA, prompt action is required to ensure that groups representing the public interest can apply for cost awards in order to participate in proceedings under the ONA,” the BPF’s application says.
The CRTC is now asking for input on whether the BPF’s mandate should be expanded to include online news proceedings. The commission also wants to know if this expanded mandate would allow intervenors to participate in Online News Act processes, and if there are any other issues the CRTC should be made aware of on this topic.
The deadline for comments is Aug. 6.
