GATINEAU – The group of Canadian broadcasters and content creators which asked the CRTC to investigate the effects over-the-top video is having on the regulated TV industry has asked for an extension to the June 27th deadline of the fact-finding proceeding the Commission launched on May 25th.
The Online Broadcast Working Group, chaired by Alain Gourd, asked the CRTC for a “short” extension on June 2, Cartt.ca has learned. We do not know the reasons why the working group has asked for extra time or how much extra time they feel is required.
The group originally asked the Regulator to launch a proceeding into online, or “over-the-top” video and how the flood of foreign online content may be affecting the regulated Canadian TV business in April. The Commission then launched a fact-finding period and has not yet determined whether or not to hold a full hearing on OTT video.
The OBWG’s members are: Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists; Association des producteurs de film et de television du Quebec; Association des Realisateurs et Realisatrices du Quebec; Astral Media; Bell Media; Bureau du cinema et de la television du Quebec; Canadian Media Production Association; Peter Grant; Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada; Stingray Digital; V Tele.
The Commission, which will still be in the throes of the Vertical Integration hearing on June 27th, has not yet decided whether or not to grant the extension, a spokesperson told Cartt.ca.
– Greg O’Brien
