As happens regularly, Michael Geist is writing up a storm and I can barely keep up just reading it in between everything else. A few things you shouldn’t miss:
Canadian Cultural Policy Must Adapt to an Internet World
As the importance of the Internet and new media grows, the Canadian cultural strategy must surely adapt to this new reality. The CRTC showed signs of recognizing this with its 2005 satellite radio decision that implemented Canadian content safeguards better suited to the technology. Internet-based content presents an even greater challenge since there is no hope – nor any need – to bring Canadian content requirements to the likes of Joost or YouTube. The policy emphasis must instead shift toward creating Canadian content and touching as many people as possible involved in the creative process.—Canadian Cultural Policy Must Adapt to an Internet World
Putting Canadian “Piracy” in Perspective – The Sources
In his sources post he gives lots of links to backup the numbers and claims from his “Putting Canadian “Piracy in Perspective Video. Very saddening to see how the government just rolled over on that one.
Canada’s Communications Outlook: Average At Best
Yet more evidence that Canada sucks at mobile.
Canada ranked second last in the OECD for the total number of mobile subscribers. For medium mobile users, Canadian plans ranked among the most expensive in the OECD.
Canada placed far behind other countries for innovation. For example, Bell Canada was the only Canadian telecom provider to obtain patents in the United States with four since 2003. By comparison, AT&T, British Telecom, NTT, France Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, Telecom Italia, and Korea Telecom have all obtained dozens (or hundreds) of patents in that same time frame.
Diversity of Voices
The Diversity of Voices proceeding comes in response to the growing consolidation of Canadian media and seeks commentary on whether the changing corporate landscape has had a negative impact on the diversity of perspectives within the Canadian broadcasting system. The CRTC’s interest in the issue arises directly from the Broadcasting Act, which includes a statutory objective that Canadian broadcasting “provide a reasonable opportunity for the public to be exposed to the expression of differing views on matters of public concern.” … The need for an open consultation on media diversity is long overdue.—Diversity of Voices
Corus Calls For Net Neutrality Task Force
Canadian creators and producers need to ensure that they can continue to have access to the networked bit stream on the basis of equitable rules. The CRTC should examine its potential role in governing net neutrality to ensure that access remains open to Canadian services on new digital distribution platforms. Corus recommends the establishment of an Industry Task Force on net neutrality.—Corus Calls For Net Neutrality Task Force
