The CRTC released their Communications Monitoring Report today, which provides an overview of the Canadian communication system, and they determined that one-third of Canadians watch TV online on platforms like Netflix, making it difficult to monitor Canadian content.
“This year’s edition of the report contains a wealth of information and is intended to assist those that participate in our public proceedings,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC, in an official press release. “It is interesting to note that Canadians’ habits are evolving. More Canadians than ever are watching and listening to content on their computers, smartphones and tablets, yet the vast majority of programming is still accessed through traditional television and radio services. While Canadians generally are well-served by their communication system, the Commission must remain vigilant and responsive to emerging trends and issues. Canadians in rural parts of our country, and especially in the North, do not enjoy the same telecommunications services as those living in urban centres. We are working to provide those Canadians with an even greater choice.”
It was determined that Canadians are accessing more content on different platforms, with 33% of Canadians watching Internet television. It was also found that the percentage of Canadians that subscribed to Netflix grew from 10% in 2011 to 17% in 2012.
As Peter Lozinski of Canada.com pointed out, Netflix, unlike networks like CTV and Global, doesn’t have to meet minimum requirements for Canadian programming. “The CRTC is finding it challenging to balance the needs of broadcasters with the realities of the digital world. At a speech on Monday to an industry group, the CRTC’s vice-chairman, Peter Menzies, said the commission can no longer act as gatekeepers in a world that may no longer have gates. The commission has to figure out how to act ‘as an enabler of Canadian expression, rather than a protector. We can’t tell Canadians what to watch, nor should we,’ he said.”
Photo: Netflix Canada
