CRTC Puts "Over-The-Top" Programming Under The Microscope

The CRTC has initiated a public proceeding to allow interested parties to comment on the implications for the Canadian broadcasting system of the increasing consumption of Internet-delivered programming in Canada – but has urged them to back up their assertions with any applicable data.

The "fact-finding exercise" follows pressure from several sources to consider changes to the existing broadcasting regulatory framework in light of increased competition from unregulated over-the-top (OTT) program providers.

The Commission has requested submissions on the following topics, as they relate to the potential impact of OTT services:

• The capabilities of measurement and analytical tools to assess programming trends