CRTC Decision on Review of Commercial Radio Policy Announced



	for immediate release CRTC Decision on Review of Commercial Radio Policy Announced Ottawa, December 15, 2006 -- The Canadian Association of Broadcasters welcomed the decision released today by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on the Review of the Commercial Radio Policy. "We acknowledge the complexity of the task the CRTC has undertaken, and we appreciate that the Commission has made note of the effect that the emerging technologies will have on broadcasters," said CAB President and CEO Glenn O'Farrell. "While the Commission makes reference to encouraging innovation in programming, it remains to be seen whether the new policy will provide the regulatory flexibility necessary to compete with the new waves of competitors from the unregulated parallel system of audio providers." The CAB believes the Commission took a step in the right direction with regard to the Canadian Content Development framework, by confirming the importance of developing content in all facets of radio production and extending these benefits beyond the music industry, to spoken word content. However, the increased burden that will result from tying these initiatives to broadcasters' revenues is of some concern. The CAB is disappointed that the Commission decided to maintain quotas for French Vocal Music at their current levels despite the new environment where consumers control choice. In its submission, the CAB had put forward several bold new approaches, aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of private radio. One of the main proposals was to establish an incentive program through the development of a Bonus System aimed at encouraging airplay of emerging music artists. In 2006 the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) celebrates 80 years as the national voice of Canada's private broadcasters, representing the vast majority of Canadian programming services, including private radio and television stations, networks, specialty, pay and pay-per-view services. - 30 - For further information please contact: Susan Tolusso Director, Communications (613) 233-4035 ext. 331 (stolusso@cab-acr.ca)