GATINEAU – “Canadians have an unprecedented choice of television programs that includes the best of what Canada, and the world, has to offer,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, chairman of the CRTC this morning in kicking off “Let’s Talk TV: A Conversation with Canadians,” which is to be a month-long discussion about the future of Canada’s television system.
“Many still enjoy network-scheduled programming on their TV sets, but the viewing habits of many others are changing. Let’s Talk TV: A Conversation with Canadians is an opportunity for all Canadians to tell us what they think of their television system and how they would like to see it changed,” he said in the Commission’s release
The CRTC is asking Canadians to share their views on three questions:
1. What do you think about what’s on television?
2. What do you think about how you receive television programming?
3. Do you have enough information to make informed choices and seek solutions if you’re not satisfied?
Starting today, Canadians can: participate in the online discussion forum in English or French, email comments to talktv@crtc.gc.ca, provide comments by calling 1-800-368-0390, fax comments to 1-819-994-0218, complete an online form, or write to the CRTC’s Secretary General, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2.
Canadians are encouraged to submit their comments by November 22, 2013.
For the first time, the Commission is also giving Canadians the opportunity to host their own “Flash!” conferences – volunteer-hosted events at which participants are invited to discuss and explore the conversation’s themes. “Flash!” conferences may be held at any time, and organizers are invited to submit reports of their discussions to the CRTC no later than January 10, 2014. The CRTC has prepared a kit to facilitate these conferences.
“Let’s Talk TV: A Conversation with Canadians puts Canadians right where they belong: at the centre of their television system,” said Mr. Blais, who made a consumer, or citizen-based focus the centrepiece of his tenure right from when he was hired in June 2012. “We want to ensure that Canada’s TV system speaks to the current and future needs of Canadians as engaged citizens, as consumers that make informed choices about programming, and as creators of exceptional content.”
While the Commission will also hold an industry hearing (or hearings) on the data gathered by this new process, it wants the industry to actively take part in the consumer process over the next month. “We hope that broadcasters and television distributors will help us bring Canadians into the conversation,” said Mr. Blais. “For example, television channels could air public service announcements, local television stations could host panel discussions, and cable companies could use their community channels to engage viewers. The comments we receive from Canadians will help set the stage for the formal public proceeding that will get underway next year.”
The CRTC’s formal review of the television system will draw on the issues and priorities identified by Canadians. The review will be launched in spring 2014, and include a public hearing in September 2014.
Video: Let’s Talk TV: A Conversation with Canadians
