Waiting for the February blahs

Media | 10/26/2007 11:52 am EDT

Given the CRTC's desire to lighten its regulatory burden in the broadcasting space we could be headed for a major industry realignment following February's BDU and discretionary services review. Industry observers, however, are wary about how much the commission can, and will, let market forces reign in broadcasting.  "I think once the commission starts to look at what the ramifications of major changes may mean, it will be reluctant to make substantial changes to what's already in place," says broadcasting consultant Michael McEwen. "If they substantially change the rules it is going to be a very different market because there's no question that Canadian services and programs as we know them on DTH and cable just won't be as viable. And that certainly we can show from other markets."McEwen is very familiar with other markets; he was engaged by the CRTC to review the obligations and regulations of international distributors as a reference for the upcoming hearing. But he warns that while it's...

Sell digital rights with a ‘use it or lose it’ provision

Media | 10/25/2007 12:51 pm EDT

With an absence of defined standards for remuneration for creators in the digital age, individual artists need to exercise due diligence in informing themselves about royalties, licensing fees, and multiple revenue streams to augment compensation for their services or products, says a panel of entertainment association representatives. Discussing pricing rights for the digital and online marketplace at Insight's Entertainment Industries Summit in Toronto, panellists noted the common challenge among actors, writers, musicians, creators, and producers of identifying new revenue streams and ensuring they do not sign away their rights without ensuring appropriate payment for their work. "We are in an artist-centred management structure that we have never had before," said Tony...