The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) welcomes the passage of Bill C-18, the Online News Act. This much-needed legislation will ensure that our homegrown news businesses, including those of our private broadcasters, have a framework for fair negotiation with online platforms on the value gained from their content.
“This is a positive step in righting the imbalance that exists between Canadian news businesses and the foreign web giants that benefit financially from using their content,” says CAB President Kevin Desjardins.
“We thank the Minister of Canadian Heritage as well as the MPs and Senators who worked to get Bill C-18 passed, as it will help ensure that our reputable news providers – large and small – can continue to inform their communities.”
Canada’s private broadcasters are the largest, most trusted source for news, attracting 35 per cent of the online news audience. Last year, they invested $681 million in local news and community information, though they have faced severe financial challenges amplified by the advertising recession and foreign online platforms’ dominance in the market.
The adoption of Bill C-18, as well as the CAB’s proposed amendment on its coming into force within the next six months, will bring about necessary changes to support the sustainability of our vital Canadian news organizations.