Government Asks CRTC To Report On "Pick And Pay" Television

As a first step in acting on its Throne Speech promise that it would require television channels to be unbundled, the Canadian government has requested the CRTC to produce a report on how Canadians can be provided with the greatest ability to obtain television services on a "pick and pay" basis, while best meeting the objectives of the Broadcasting Act.

The report is to consider effects on both consumers and a range of industry groups.  With respect to consumers, the CRTC is to explore how Canadians can maintain affordable access to a variety of pay and specialty service, including niche programming, in a more à la carte distribution environment.  The report is also to consider the effect of increased "pick and pay" on broadcasters, distribution undertakings and independent producers, as well as on programming diversity, including with respect to a range of multicultural and linguistic interests.