Page 120 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2022

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

CRTC Adopts Modern Approach for the CBC/Radio-Canada’s Traditional and

Digital Services

ties. Regarding audio programming, the
CRTC is maintaining musical content re-
quirements and is also introducing a new
content requirement for Indigenous music
on the CBC/Radio-Canada’s English and
French-language radio services. The CRTC
is requiring the CBC/Radio-Canada to con-
duct regular surveys of all Canadians on
Canadian Radio-television and Telecom- porting and measurement requirements for how it is meeting their needs. The CRTC will
munications Commission (CRTC) has ad- programming on all the CBC/Radio-Cana- also require that the CBC/Radio-Canada
opted a new approach to ensure that the da’s platforms. This new reporting frame- hold formal consultations every two years
CBC/ Radio-Canada’s programming meets work will be better aligned with the ob- with Indigenous Peoples, official-language
the needs and interests of all Canadians, jectives of the new approach, including minority communities, racialized persons,
in both official languages, across all its those related to diversity. New spending persons with disabilities and persons who
services. The CRTC is also introducing and reporting requirements are also being identify as LGBTQ2. These initiatives will
new spending requirements that will pro- imposed to ensure that the national public ensure that its programming is reflective of
mote the creation of more diverse con- broadcaster supports and broadcasts pro- these communities and meets the needs
tent. The emergence of online platforms gramming that is relevant to and reflective and interests of these communities. “The
has changed the way Canadians consume of all Canadians of diverse backgrounds CRTC is modernizing its approach to ensure
audio and audiovisual content, including and Indigenous Peoples living in Canada. that the CBC/Radio-Canada’s programming
the CBC/Radio-Canada’s programming. To enhance diversity in its programming, can adapt to and reflect the evolving prefer-
The CRTC is adapting the way in which it the CBC/Radio-Canada will have to invest ences of Canadians, including equity-seek-
regulates the national public broadcaster in audiovisual Canadian programming, au- ing and official-language minority com-
to provide it with more flexibility to fulfill diovisual Canadian independent program- munities and Indigenous Peoples. We are
its mandate across traditional and online ming from Indigenous producers, racialized giving the CBC/Radio-Canada more flexibil-
platforms, while recognizing the need to producers, producers with disabilities and ity, while ensuring it is accountable and rep-
make the new framework adaptable for the producers who identify as LGBTQ2. The resentative of our various geographic and
years to come. To balance this flexibility, CRTC is also maintaining certain spend- cultural realities in both official languages.”
accountability and transparency are being ing requirements for programming by and says Ian Scott, chairperson and chief exec-
increased through new and enhanced re- for official-language minority communi- utive officer, CRTC.

Brussels Region Approves Proposal to Increase Base Station Limits for 5G

The Brussels regional government has ap-
proved a draft ordinance to raise maximum
emission levels for radio antennas, clearing
the way for deployment of 5G services in the
Belgian capital. The second reading of the
proposal to raise the limit on electromag-
netic radiation from current 6 V/m to 14.57
V/m outdoors and 9.9 V/m indoors was
passed last Thursday, Environment Minis-
ter Alain Maron’s office has confirmed. A
public inquiry will now be organized in Au-
gust and September and the final reading
of the draft ordinance is expected before
the end of the year. ‘The Brussels region is
therefore moving forward by preparing for
the arrival of a 5G network which is harmo-
nious, respectful of the health of the public,
and for the benefit of all,’ the government
told Belga news agency.
120 JULY-AUGUST 2022