I appeared on CBC’s the Current to discuss broadband access as Google looks for communities to test its new super-high-speed broadband network. Also on the program were Kelly Kirschner, George Reid and Tony Clement. The podcast is available here under Pt 2 Broadband Access. This relates to my column where I discuss the need for a Canadian digital policy.
Archive for March 24th, 2010
Writers’ Union of Canada: Flexible Fair Dealing Legalizes Theft
The Charlie Angus fair dealing motion has stirred up considerable anger from the Writers' Union of Canada. The organization's copyright committee is urging its members to write to their Members of Parliament to protest motion, advising them to use speaking points that include equating flexible fair dealing with theft, claiming […]
McGrath on the CRTC Decisions
Denis McGrath posts an insightful analysis of this week's CRTC broadcast policy decisions, accounting for a broad range of perspectives.
CRTC’s Fee-For-Carriage/Value-For-Signal Report: Minority Report Steals the Show
The CRTC released its follow-up report to cabinet yesterday on the consumer impact of new fees associated with fee-for-carriage/value-for-signal (as a side note, the Commission's approach on releases – the financial reports on broadcasters and BDUs last week, the broadcast policy on Monday, and the consumer impact the following day – feels far too manipulative and staged. There was no good reason not to release the broadcast policy and its consumer impact simultaneously).
The Commission conclusion amounts to an acknowledgement that prices will go up, but it believes that Canadians will continue to pay based on past experience of steady price increases imposed by cable and satellite companies. It states:
Recent Posts
Canadian Media Companies Target OpenAI in Copyright Lawsuit But Weak Claims Suggest Settlement the Real Goal 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 221: Inside My Canadian Heritage Committee Appearance on Freedom of Expression 
When Antisemitism Isn’t Taboo: Reflecting on the Response to Nazi-Era Hate on the Streets of Montreal 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 220: Marina Pavlović on the CRTC’s Plans to Address Consumer Frustration Over Wireless Contracts 
Protecting Freedom of Expression: My Heritage Committee Appearance on the Chilling Effect of Antisemitism
