Media Centre > Columns > September 9, 2002

National Post

Monday, September 09, 2002

I read with interest and much chagrin Paul Kedrosky's commentary on his concerns over what he perceived to be the ever-expansionist role of the CRTC (It's Not Just About Watching TV at the Office, Aug. 28).

It is regrettable that Mr. Kedrosky not only fails to understand the point and purpose of the CRTC but also the rationale behind Canadian broadcasters, both private and public, and the CRTC's position to oppose unauthorized retransmission of existing radio and television signals. It is quite simple. Neither the Canadian broadcasting industry nor the CRTC condones the practice of technology-enabled theft -- which is exactly what Internet retransmission of unauthorized programming is. Does Mr. Kedrosky's need for information and entertainment at work surpass the rights of Canadian artists, producers and broadcasters to be fairly compensated for their work? Absolutely not. And what surprises me the most is that in an academic environment where the sanctity of copyright should be protected and celebrated, it is instead being sadly dismissed in the name of expediency.

I challenge Mr. Kedrosky to consider this question: What is more important -- his convenience or the livelihood of thousands of Canadians employed in the broadcasting industry?

Glenn O'Farrell
president and CEO
Canadian Association of Broadcasters
Ottawa