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More Questions Emerge About The CRTC's Regulation Of U.S. Streamers
There are a lot of different opinions about what the CRTC is up to when it comes to forcing American streamers like Netflix and Disney+ to comply with Canadian broadcasting rules. But my biggest fear is if the regulator goes too far, we could wind up with a Google/Meta situation that could see them simply take their ball and go home, cutting off the country altogether.
For example:
"The Online Streaming Act sets up the CRTC to apply the updated Broadcasting Act to online platforms. Section 3 of the act outlines the objectives of Canada’s broadcasting policy, such as having programming that “reflects Canadian attitudes, opinions, ideas, values and artistic creativity,” and serves “the needs and interests of all Canadians — including Canadians from Black or other racialized communities and Canadians of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, abilities and disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and ages — and reflect(s) their circumstances and aspirations.”
According to the linked article, the CRTC has yet to decide how far to push the online giants on issues like that.
And while I hope it would never happen, if there comes a time when it's simply more profitable or less onerous for them not to do business here than meet all these new regs that they're not bound by anywhere else in the world, would they simply say Canada isn't worth it?
We're still in the early stages of this. I can't help but wonder what's next.
CRTC to 'ask questions' about making Netflix comply with Broadcast Act objectives
- paterson1
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Re: More Questions Emerge About The CRTC's Regulation Of U.S. Streamers
US streamers like Netflix and Disney+ in fact could soon need to comply with broadcasting rules and regulations in other countries. The issues in Canada with streamers hurting traditional broadcasters are similar in other parts of the world. To say that streamers are bound by "all these new regs" only Canada and nowhere else is false and misleading. It is too early to say what the obligations here will be. And if we have a change in government at the federal level, everything could be altered again, or just cancelled.
The UK currently has legislation that will bring streamers in line with the same regulations and rules that cover traditional broadcasters. The proposed legislation is also requesting that local productions be made more prominent and discoverable.
In the rest of Europe streamers such as Netflix and Disney are bound to offer 30% European content and must reinvest a portion of their revenues in local and European productions. In France this level is as high as 25%, and 20% in Italy. The percent varies from country to country in Europe. Australia is introducing financial obligations in 2024.
So again, to try and make this a "Canadian thing" is not accurate,
Last edited by paterson1 (October 11, 2023 6:33 pm)
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Re: More Questions Emerge About The CRTC's Regulation Of U.S. Streamers
I think a lot depends on what the CRTC decides as the "criteria" that must be met to satisfy regulators. If it costs too much vs. what the streamers make in Canada, there's absolutely nothing to stop them from saying "screw you Canadians, we're out of here. You're just not worth it."
I know you'll say it can never happen and I hope it won't. But I have two words for you - "Meta" and "Google."
The feds thought both would come around over Bill C-18 but there are no signs that they're going to or ever will. Just about every expert I've ever read that's not an existing broadcaster or newspaper owner seems to agree these rules are hurting, not helping. In fact many smaller publications are openly complaining the lack of links may eventually force them out of business. And academics who have studied this thing closely almost all agree.
Talk about the law of unintended consequences.
So in trying to make things "better" and more equal, the government is gambling that, as far as Bill C-11 is concerned, these guys won't pull out and leave Crave as this country's only streaming option.
This entire Internet regulation policy, from streaming to social media, is fraught with peril and has been very poorly thought out. And you know it's of serious concern when Pierre Poilievre and Margaret Atwood both agree on how poorly designed some of it is. They couldn't be more different. Yet on this, they're on the same page. Too bad you soon won't be able to find that page on Google.
As noted, I really hope I'm wrong. I want to be. But if I'm not, don't say you didn't see it coming. Many, many experts have been warning the feds about this for the past few years. The fact they're not listening - and far more importantly, are unwilling to compromise on any changes - could wind being up a travesty for all of us.
In the end, I hope you're right and I'm not. But if I am, there will be hell to pay from voters, readers and viewers alike.
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Thread Starter- paterson1
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Re: More Questions Emerge About The CRTC's Regulation Of U.S. Streamers
First off, nothing was said about any of my comments above. The fact that other governments are proposing and implementing similar legislation to Canada was ignored. Fine, I rest my case.
The current federal government has foolishly backed itself into a corner and probably in a no win position. Meta's tactics and situation, while embarrassing for the politicians is of little consequence to most Canadians. This will change if Google follows through.
The smaller media companies that are missing the 20-30% traffic passed along by Meta, better get promoting their websites. Most news organizations do very little promotion and need to improve. Now is the perfect opportunity.
Oddly enough Meta is also backed into a corner. If they agreed to the governments monetary demands, and everything in C-11, the flood gates around the world would open. So they have no choice but to stand firm, be tough, and make an example out of the Canadian government. The Australians handled this much better and we should have followed their example.
However, companies like Meta, Google, Netflix etc. will be regulated here and in other countries whether they like it or not. They also will be taxed and obligated to contribute domestic content and held more accountable whether they like it or not. This is already happening and will only grow.
Our federal government overplayed it's hand, didn't read the signs and at some point will eat humble pie. But Meta would be well advised to have a small slice themselves. Many are uneasy about this small group of technology conglomerates with huge influence, that are still, after all these years, resistant to accountability, responsibility and oversite. Thank goodness, this is starting to change.