CRTC launches public consultation to implement the Online News Act

March 13, 2024—Ottawa–Gatineau—Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Today, the CRTC is launching a public consultation to gather views on the regulatory framework for the Online News Act (formerly Bill C-18). This consultation follows the publication, on December 15, 2023, of regulations by the Department of Canadian Heritage on the application of the Act.

The Act is intended to help Canadian news organizations reach fair commercial agreements with the largest online platforms.

The Act requires the CRTC to:

• implement a bargaining framework to support fair negotiations;
• handle complaints about unfair treatment of eligible news organizations; and
• create a code of conduct to support fair negotiations.

The CRTC is consulting on how to set up the bargaining process and how to handle complaints about unfair treatment.

The CRTC is accepting comments until April 12, 2024, and interested parties can participate by:

• filling out the online form;
• writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2; or
• sending a fax to 819-994-0218.

All comments received will form part of the public record and will inform the CRTC’s decision.Everyone who is interested should check out the CRTC’s plan and participate in the consultation.

Quick facts

• The CRTC is an independent administrative tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public hearings on telecommunications and broadcasting matters, and makes decisions based on the public record.
• The CRTC will launch a second public consultation, planned for later this year, on establishing a code of conduct to support fair negotiations between news organizations and the largest online platforms.
• Under the Online News Act, a platform can apply to be exempted from the mandatory bargaining process. If an online platform requests an exemption, the CRTC will hold a public consultation in which all interested parties can participate. A platform would only be exempted once it has reached fair deals to provide compensation to news organizations.

Associated links

• Share your thoughts about the regulatory framework for the Online News Act
• Learn more about the CRTC’s regulatory plan
• Statement by the CRTC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Vicky Eatrides, on the Online News Act

Contacts

Media Relations
Email: media@crtc.gc.ca
Telephone: 819-997-9403

General Inquiries
Telephone: 819-997-0313
Toll free: 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
TTY: 819-994-0423

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