Should the CRTC regulate Netflix?
Shaw Colmmunications is saying that the CRTC should regulate companies like Netflix that provide videos and movies over the Internet, even though Netflix is not a broadcaster.
The cable carrier and broadcaster says foreign entrants like online movie provider Netflix and video site Google TV are undermining the Canadian broadcasting system.
Shaw executives told the Commons heritage committee that while its offerings are carried on the Internet, Netflix is essentially a broadcaster.
Yet they say Netflix is not regulated, nor do they pay for Canadian content or support Canadian productions – as Shaw and other domestic broadcasters must.
The officials say the unfair competition is undermining their ability to pay for domestic programming.
As much as it pains me to say, I think Shaw has a point here. While Netflix isn’t a true broadcaster, it could soon be the new model for broadcasting, and that means that the CRTC should have some involvement, or else Canadian content will fall by the wayside.
I think a good compromise would be to mandate that services like Netflix carry a certain number of Canadian programs in their streaming offerings. As it stands, broadcasters are obligated to show a certain amount of Canadian content during primetime hours. If Netflix were to offer Kids in the Hall, or Degrassi, or Corner Gas (even though that show is lame) it would be pretty much the same as what broadcasters are obligated to do.
What do you think, Techvibes readers? Should the CRTC be getting involved? Should Netflix and other streaming services be exempt? Or are Canadian content laws just not necessary? Let us know what you think on the comments board.
