Latest news with #BroadcastingAct
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CRTC takes action to support local news across Canada
GATINEAU, QC, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The CRTC is taking another step forward to implement the modernized Broadcasting Act (the Act) by helping independent Canadian television stations access more funding from the Independent Local News Fund (ILNF). The Act requires the CRTC to modernize Canada's broadcasting framework and ensure that online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content. As part of this work, the CRTC launched a consultation to review how the ILNF can better support local news. The CRTC received a number of comments on the public record, including from broadcasters, community stations, and other groups. Based on the public record, today's decision confirms the eligibility criteria for television stations to access more funding from the ILNF, continues to ensure fair distribution of funding, and supports the distribution of local news by requiring ILNF recipients to make it available online. This decision follows a number of actions the CRTC has taken to implement the modernized Act. To find out more, check out the CRTC's regulatory plan. Quick facts The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record. The CRTC is fulfilling the mandate given to it by Parliament to modernize Canada's broadcasting framework. To date, the CRTC has launched 15 public consultations to implement the modernized Act. Today's decision also confirms that since Corus Entertainment Inc. is an independent broadcaster, its 15 Global stations are eligible to receive funding from the ILNF. Associated links Broadcasting Decision: Independent Local News Fund Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2024-164: Independent Local News Fund Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2024-121: The Path Forward – Supporting Canadian and Indigenous content through base contributions Regulatory Plan Modernizing Canada's broadcasting framework Stay ConnectedFollow us on X @CRTCengLike us on Facebook SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
7 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
CRTC takes action to support local news across Canada Français
GATINEAU, QC, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The CRTC is taking another step forward to implement the modernized Broadcasting Act (the Act) by helping independent Canadian television stations access more funding from the Independent Local News Fund (ILNF). The Act requires the CRTC to modernize Canada's broadcasting framework and ensure that online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content. As part of this work, the CRTC launched a consultation to review how the ILNF can better support local news. The CRTC received a number of comments on the public record, including from broadcasters, community stations, and other groups. Based on the public record, today's decision confirms the eligibility criteria for television stations to access more funding from the ILNF, continues to ensure fair distribution of funding, and supports the distribution of local news by requiring ILNF recipients to make it available online. This decision follows a number of actions the CRTC has taken to implement the modernized Act. To find out more, check out the CRTC's regulatory plan. Quick facts The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record. The CRTC is fulfilling the mandate given to it by Parliament to modernize Canada's broadcasting framework. To date, the CRTC has launched 15 public consultations to implement the modernized Act. Today's decision also confirms that since Corus Entertainment Inc. is an independent broadcaster, its 15 Global stations are eligible to receive funding from the ILNF. Associated links Stay Connected Follow us on X @CRTCeng Like us on Facebook
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, Apple and others to fight against Canada's Bill C-11 that they see as 'Streaming/Hidden Tax': What makes the court fight important
On Monday, June 9, 2025, tech and streaming giants Netflix, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon will appear before Canada's Federal Court of Appeal to challenge the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC) regulations under the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Passed in April 2023, the law mandates that streaming services earning over $25 million annually in Canada contribute 5% of their Canadian revenues to support Canadian content, including Indigenous, francophone, and local independent news programming. The CRTC estimates this will generate approximately $200 million annually to bolster Canada's cultural and media sectors. However, the legal showdown has ignited a broader debate about fairness, cultural identity, and the future of digital regulation. Spotify and others calls it Hidden Tax The challengers -- Apple, Amazon, Spotify, and the Motion Picture Association–Canada (representing Netflix, Disney, Paramount, and others) -- argue that the CRTC's rules overstep its authority under Canada's Broadcasting Act. Spotify has labeled the 5% contribution a 'hidden tax,' asserting it unfairly burdens foreign streaming platforms. Amazon contends that the regulations discriminate by imposing stricter requirements on international services compared to Canadian media companies, which face different obligations. Apple has called the levy 'premature and inequitable,' noting that streamers are required to contribute five times more than traditional radio broadcasters while being denied access to the very funds they support. The Motion Picture Association–Canada has taken particular issue with a 1.5% contribution to a local news fund, arguing that streaming platforms do not produce news, hold no news licenses, and cannot access the funds they are mandated to support. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'This is a policy mismatch,' said a spokesperson for the association. 'Streamers are being asked to subsidize a sector they don't operate in, without any reciprocal benefit.' Netflix, Spotify and others have created funding crisis, claims traditional Canadian media On the other side, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) argues that traditional media outlets have long shouldered the responsibility of funding Canadian content while global streaming platforms have operated without similar obligations. The CAB warns that the rise of streaming services has exacerbated a funding crisis for local news and independent media, with many outlets struggling to survive in an increasingly digital landscape. The debate extends beyond the courtroom, touching on questions of cultural identity and economic fairness. However, critics warn of unintended consequences. Some analysts have cautioned that the 5% levy could lead to higher subscription costs for consumers or prompt streaming services to exit the Canadian market entirely. He pointed to Spotify's recent withdrawal from France after similar regulations were imposed as a potential precedent. What makes the court's decision important The Federal Court of Appeal is expected to deliver its ruling by late summer 2025. The decision could reshape the regulatory landscape for digital platforms in Canada, determining whether the CRTC's rules are upheld, modified, or struck down. A ruling in favor of the streamers could weaken the Online Streaming Act's framework, potentially jeopardling calls for legislative amendments. Conversely, upholding the CRTC's authority could embolden other countries to adopt similar measures, intensifying global tensions between tech giants and regulators.
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Apple, Amazon and Spotify challenging CRTC's Canadian content rules in court this week
Some of the world's biggest streaming companies will argue in court on Monday that they shouldn't have to make CRTC-ordered financial contributions to Canadian content and news. The companies are fighting an order from the federal broadcast regulator that says they must pay five per cent of their annual Canadian revenues to funds devoted to producing Canadian content, including local TV news. The case, which consolidates several appeals by streamers, will be heard by the Federal Court of Appeal in Toronto. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Apple, Amazon and Spotify are fighting the CRTC's 2024 order. Motion Picture Association-Canada, which represents such companies as Netflix and Paramount, is challenging a section of the CRTC's order requiring them to contribute to local news. In December, the court put a pause on the payments — estimated to be at least $1.25 million annually per company. Amazon, Apple and Spotify had argued that if they made the payments and then won the appeal and overturned the CRTC order, they wouldn't be able to recover the money. In court documents, the streamers put forward a long list of arguments on why they shouldn't have to pay, including technical points regarding the CRTC's powers under the Broadcasting Act. Spotify argued that the contribution requirement amounts to a tax, which the CRTC doesn't have the authority to impose. The music streamer also took issue with the CRTC requiring the payments without first deciding how it will define Canadian content. Amazon argued the federal cabinet specified the CRTC's requirements have to be 'equitable.' It said the contribution requirement is 'inequitable because it applies only to foreign online undertakings and only to such undertakings with more than $25 million in annual Canadian broadcasting revenues.' Apple also said the regulator 'acted prematurely' and argued the CRTC didn't consider whether the order was 'equitable.' It pointed out Apple is required to contribute five per cent, while radio stations must only pay 0.5 per cent — and streamers don't have the same access to the funds into which they pay. The CRTC imposes different rules on Canadian content contributions from traditional media players. It requires large English-language broadcasters to contribute 30 per cent of revenues to Canadian programming. Motion Picture Association-Canada is only challenging one aspect of the CRTC's order — the part requiring companies to contribute 1.5 per cent of revenues to a fund for local news on independent TV stations. It said in court documents that none of the streamers 'has any connection to news production' and argued the CRTC doesn't have the authority to require them to fund news. 'What the CRTC did, erroneously, is purport to justify the … contribution simply on the basis that local news is important and local news operations provided by independent television stations are short of money,' it said. 'That is a reason why news should be funded by someone, but is devoid of any analysis, legal or factual, as to why it is equitable for foreign online undertakings to fund Canadian news production.' In its response, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters said the CRTC has wide authority under the Broadcasting Act. It argued streamers have contributed to the funding crisis facing local news. 'While the industry was once dominated by traditional television and radio services, those services are now in decline, as Canadians increasingly turn to online streaming services,' the broadcasters said. 'For decades, traditional broadcasting undertakings have supported the production of Canadian content through a complex array of CRTC-directed measures … By contrast, online undertakings have not been required to provide any financial support to the Canadian broadcasting system, despite operating here for well over a decade.' A submission from the federal government in defence of the CRTC argued the regulator was within its rights to order the payments. 'The orders challenged in these proceedings … are a valid exercise of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's regulatory powers. These orders seek to remedy the inequity that has resulted from the ascendance of online streaming giants like the Appellants,' the office of the attorney general said. 'Online undertakings have greatly profited from their access to Canadian audiences, without any corresponding obligation to make meaningful contributions supporting Canadian programming and creators — an obligation that has long been imposed on traditional domestic broadcasters.' The government said that if the streamers get their way, that would preserve 'an inequitable circumstance in which domestic broadcasters — operating in an industry under economic strain — shoulder a disproportionate regulatory burden.' 'This result would be plainly out of step with the policy aims of Parliament' and cabinet, it added. The court hearing comes as trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have cast a shadow over the CRTC's attempts to regulate online streamers. The regulator launched a suite of proceedings and hearings as part of its implementation of the Online Streaming Act, legislation that in 2023 updated the Broadcasting Act to set up the CRTC to regulate streaming companies. In January, as U.S. President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term, groups representing U.S. businesses and big tech companies warned the CRTC that its efforts to modernize Canadian content rules could worsen trade relations and lead to retaliation. Then, as the CRTC launched its hearing on modernizing the definition of Canadian content in May, Netflix, Paramount and Apple cancelled their individual appearances. While the companies didn't provide a reason, the move came shortly after Trump threatened to impose a tariff of up to 100 per cent on movies made outside the United States. Foreign streamers have long pointed to their existing spending in Canada in response to calls to bring them into the regulated system. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Global News
a day ago
- Business
- Global News
Global streamers fight CRTC's rule requiring them to fund Canadian content
Some of the world's biggest streaming companies will argue in court on Monday that they shouldn't have to make CRTC-ordered financial contributions to Canadian content and news. The companies are fighting an order from the federal broadcast regulator that says they must pay five per cent of their annual Canadian revenues to funds devoted to producing Canadian content, including local TV news. The case, which consolidates several appeals by streamers, will be heard by the Federal Court of Appeal in Toronto. Apple, Amazon and Spotify are fighting the CRTC's 2024 order. Motion Picture Association-Canada, which represents such companies as Netflix and Paramount, is challenging a section of the CRTC's order requiring them to contribute to local news. In December, the court put a pause on the payments — estimated to be at least $1.25 million annually per company. Amazon, Apple and Spotify had argued that if they made the payments and then won the appeal and overturned the CRTC order, they wouldn't be able to recover the money. Story continues below advertisement In court documents, the streamers put forward a long list of arguments on why they shouldn't have to pay, including technical points regarding the CRTC's powers under the Broadcasting Act. Spotify argued that the contribution requirement amounts to a tax, which the CRTC doesn't have the authority to impose. The music streamer also took issue with the CRTC requiring the payments without first deciding how it will define Canadian content. Amazon argued the federal cabinet specified the CRTC's requirements have to be 'equitable.' It said the contribution requirement is 'inequitable because it applies only to foreign online undertakings and only to such undertakings with more than $25 million in annual Canadian broadcasting revenues.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Apple also said the regulator 'acted prematurely' and argued the CRTC didn't consider whether the order was 'equitable.' It pointed out Apple is required to contribute five per cent, while radio stations must only pay 0.5 per cent — and streamers don't have the same access to the funds into which they pay. The CRTC imposes different rules on Canadian content contributions from traditional media players. It requires large English-language broadcasters to contribute 30 per cent of revenues to Canadian programming. Motion Picture Association—Canada is only challenging one aspect of the CRTC's order — the part requiring companies to contribute 1.5 per cent of revenues to a fund for local news on independent TV stations. Story continues below advertisement It said in court documents that none of the streamers 'has any connection to news production' and argued the CRTC doesn't have the authority to require them to fund news. 'What the CRTC did, erroneously, is purport to justify the … contribution simply on the basis that local news is important and local news operations provided by independent television stations are short of money,' it said. 'That is a reason why news should be funded by someone, but is devoid of any analysis, legal or factual, as to why it is equitable for foreign online undertakings to fund Canadian news production.' In its response, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters said the CRTC has wide authority under the Broadcasting Act. It argued streamers have contributed to the funding crisis facing local news. 'While the industry was once dominated by traditional television and radio services, those services are now in decline, as Canadians increasingly turn to online streaming services,' the broadcasters said. 'For decades, traditional broadcasting undertakings have supported the production of Canadian content through a complex array of CRTC-directed measures … By contrast, online undertakings have not been required to provide any financial support to the Canadian broadcasting system, despite operating here for well over a decade.' A submission from the federal government in defence of the CRTC argued the regulator was within its rights to order the payments. Story continues below advertisement 'The orders challenged in these proceedings … are a valid exercise of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's regulatory powers. These orders seek to remedy the inequity that has resulted from the ascendance of online streaming giants like the Appellants,' the office of the attorney general said. 'Online undertakings have greatly profited from their access to Canadian audiences, without any corresponding obligation to make meaningful contributions supporting Canadian programming and creators — an obligation that has long been imposed on traditional domestic broadcasters.' The government said that if the streamers get their way, that would preserve 'an inequitable circumstance in which domestic broadcasters — operating in an industry under economic strain — shoulder a disproportionate regulatory burden.' 'This result would be plainly out of step with the policy aims of Parliament' and cabinet, it added. The court hearing comes as trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have cast a shadow over the CRTC's attempts to regulate online streamers. The regulator launched a suite of proceedings and hearings as part of its implementation of the Online Streaming Act, legislation that in 2023 updated the Broadcasting Act to set up the CRTC to regulate streaming companies. In January, as U.S. President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term, groups representing U.S. businesses and big tech companies warned the CRTC that its efforts to modernize Canadian content rules could worsen trade relations and lead to retaliation. Story continues below advertisement Then, as the CRTC launched its hearing on modernizing the definition of Canadian content in May, Netflix, Paramount and Apple cancelled their individual appearances. While the companies didn't provide a reason, the move came shortly after Trump threatened to impose a tariff of up to 100 per cent on movies made outside the United States. Foreign streamers have long pointed to their existing spending in Canada in response to calls to bring them into the regulated system.
