Dalfen encourages broadcast competition, wants to build on past regulatory success

CRTC chair Charles Dalfen addressed the Western Association of Broadcasters at its annual conference in Alberta on June 15. He spoke of a need for Canadians to tell their own stories and hear their own voices, and said one of his priorities was to increase the amount of Canadian English-language drama series on television. He also told broadcasters he didn't anticipate making major changes at the CRTC, but hoped his tenure would be characterized by such values as integrity, quality, civility and balance. Below is an excerpt from his speech. In this age of globalization, satellites and the free flow of information, it is increasingly important that Canadians tell their own stories and hear their own voices. That's something Canadians realize. In fact, a 2001 Ekos Research poll indicated that almost 75 per cent of Canadians say that it's "very important" that the country maintains a unique system of values and national identity. At last count, there were 1,600 broadcasting licences in the Western provinces…and given the range of diversity this represents, I believe we're on a good footing to ensure that our national identity and our values have a high profile in the West. As I mentioned, and as many of you are aware, it has been two decades since I left the commission as vice-chair in 1980. Much has changed in that time...particularly in the broadcasting sector. In fact, your industry has probably changed more than during any other comparable time in its history. ...I've been asked frequently whether I returned to the commission with an agenda for sweeping changes in the way we operate. My answer is that I don't see the need for major changes. I believe that the CRTC has done a superb job both in carrying out its mandate and in maintaining the respect of Canadians. So, rather than extensive change, what I hope will characterize my tenure as chairman are certain values, values such as integrity, quality and civility. I believe that integrity should characterize both our processes and our products…which, primarily, are our decisions and our major public notices...People who participate in our processes and read our decisions should have a clear sense that they have been given a fair hearing... A respect for quality will ensure that our activities and decisions convey thoughtfulness, knowledge and common sense. And civility will mean being respectful of each other, even when we disagree. In turning to the broadcast issues that face the commission, let me add one more value that relates directly to the theme of your conference: balance. We constantly seek to achieve a balance among various interests in order to try and further the public interest. We weigh cultural and industrial objectives…the interests of content creators, broadcasters and audiences… the desires of independent operators and national chains. We seek to achieve a balance between the players in the industry, the need for diversity and the community values of audiences. ...We want to encourage competition, which we believe keeps the industry healthy, drives technological innovation and creates more choice and better service for the consumer. At the same time we have to try and ensure fair competition…which is why we are sensitive to issues like the pressure you are feeling from DTH. ...In the West, and elsewhere, we have actively licensed new initiatives, favouring new voices. In both radio and television, we have also sought a balance between the broadcaster's natural desire to appeal to the greatest number of people and the needs of various minorities...I intend to build on past success with new regulatory policies during this year and next...Beyond that, it is a high priority of mine to explore the unrealized potential to create and air truly Canadian English-language television drama series that can attract large audiences on a consistent basis. I will be looking for your input, and depending on your experience to help solve our ongoing national challenge of telling our own stories and reflecting the lifestyles and values of Canadians to a broad audience.

Dalfen encourages broadcast competition, wants to build on past regulatory success

News | 07/04/2002 4:00 am EDT

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