Archive for February 20th, 2009

Blurry Outlook for Canadian Digital TV Transition

Earlier this week, hundreds of U.S. television stations plan to shut down their analog broadcasts as they complete the transition to digital over-the-air broadcasts.  While the U.S. had planned for a nationwide change this month, last minute legislation has delayed the full mandatory transition until mid-June.  My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) argues that the U.S. experience to date highlights what should be a major concern for Canada – the transition from analog to digital broadcasts is years behind the U.S. with virtually no industry or government support.  This sounds like a purely technical issue, yet the policy implications of that transition will have a profound effect on both the national broadcast and telecom landscape. 

Read more ›

February 20, 2009 3 comments Columns

CIRPA on the ISP Business Model

Comments from the Canadian Independent Record Production Association, during the CRTC New Media hearing on Wednesday: MR. McKIE:    Turning to the distribution issue and the role and responsibilities of ISPs when it comes to the dissemination and development of content on the Internet, it may be the worst kept secret […]

Read more ›

February 20, 2009 8 comments News