The CRTC has launched a new consultation that will update the definition of what constitutes Canadian content on radio and audio streaming services.
Another step forward in the commission’s ongoing efforts to modernize the Broadcasting Act, the consultation will build on the commission’s previous consultation with the commercial radio sector in 2022, before streaming services were added to the CRTC’s regulatory remit.
Scott Shortliffe, Vice-President, Broadcasting, said three themes will make up the consultation:
- The definition of what constitutes Canadian audio content, and how Indigenous audio content can be supported in the current economic and technological environment, including what qualifies as a Canadian musical selection and the definition of an emerging artist.
- A renewed “contribution framework” that will consider priority content, including news;
- and considering the future of audio and how AI (Artificial Intelligence) may change the music and audio landscape in Canada.
The MAPL system, which has been the industry standard to identify a Canadian musical selection since 1971, will be front and centre in the discussions. To qualify as Canadian content, a musical selection must currently fulfil at least two of the following conditions:
- M (music): the music is composed entirely by a Canadian
- A (artist): the music is, or the lyrics are, performed principally by a Canadian
- P (performance): the musical selection consists of a live performance that is
- recorded wholly in Canada, or
- performed wholly in Canada and broadcast live in Canada
- L (lyrics): the lyrics are written entirely by a Canadian
Shortliffe said it’s the CRTC’s preliminary view that the “P” (performance) requirement of MAPL be dropped, but the commission is eager to hear from artists and radio groups on the contentious topic that has seen hits from Canadian superstars like Bryan Adams, Justin Bieber and Celine Dion, not qualify as Canadian under MAPL criteria.
“We are reopening that discussion and we think we will have a very robust discussion,” Shortliffe told a technical briefing on Thursday. “We’re gonna see whether the ‘P’ could be replaced…make it the producer or the first creator of the music. There’s a number of different options.”
Canadian airplay quotas will also be examined with the CRTC taking a preliminary view that streaming services should be contributing to the discoverability of Canadian French-language and Indigenous music.
“For example, traditional radio broadcasters have to carry quotas to ensure presence on the airwaves…we’re going to ask questions about whether these mechanisms are still valid, whether this contribution framework should be amended,” said Shortliffe. “Again, the idea is, the objective is not to force any Canadian to listen to a particular style of music, but to make sure that they have access to Canadian choices. How do we do that?”
Shortliffe said how news can be supported by audio services has also been outlined as a priority.
“We want to make sure we have an ecosystem for audio…radio and satellite and streaming services in Canada, that supports music, but also supports information and news,” expressed Shortliffe.
The CRTC is accepting comments until April 7. As part of the consultation, the commission plans to hold a public hearing starting on June 18.
The commission has launched separate consultations on the definition of Canadian content for audio-visual services and television, and another on market dynamics and sustainability.
