Music Industry Groups Urge CRTC to Recognize Streaming’s Distinct Nature in Content Regulation
Ottawa – In a joint letter filed today, Music Canada and the Digital Media Association (DIMA) are urging the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to acknowledge the fundamental differences between traditional radio broadcasting and modern audio streaming services as it considers new regulations under the Online Streaming Act. The organizations, representing major record labels and streaming platforms respectively, argue that applying existing radio rules to streaming would stifle innovation and hinder the growth of the Canadian music ecosystem.
The letter follows a series of engagement sessions held by the CRTC between September 11th and 18th, during which Music Canada and DIMA members participated. The organizations state they felt compelled to clarify a perceived inclination within the CRTC’s discussions to extend radio regulations to streaming platforms.
The Core Argument: Radio vs. Streaming – A Paradigm Shift
The crux of the argument lies in the vastly different operational landscapes of radio and streaming. Traditional radio, shaped by Canada’s unique geography and linguistic diversity, operates within finite constraints – limited broadcast hours, centralized programming, and a restricted catalogue of available recordings. It was designed for an analogue world where curation was a necessity.
Streaming, conversely, is characterized by its boundless nature. Driven by individual listener preferences, it offers nearly unlimited listening hours, a massive and ever-expanding music library, and transcends both physical and international boundaries. This shift has dramatically altered how Canadian artists reach global audiences. In 2022, three songs by Canadian artists ranked among the top ten streamed tracks in India – a scenario unimaginable in the era of terrestrial radio.
Empowering Artists Beyond Traditional Airplay
The rise of streaming has also democratized access for artists who may not have found a home on traditional radio. Streaming platforms provide a direct pathway to connect with fans, both domestically and internationally, leading to increased visibility for women and racially diverse artists – groups historically underrepresented in Canadian radio programming. This expanded reach fosters a more inclusive and vibrant Canadian music scene.
“The regulatory framework for radio was built for a different era,” explains a spokesperson for Music Canada. “Attempting to impose those same rules on streaming would be akin to fitting a square peg into a round hole. It would stifle the innovation that’s driving growth in the Canadian music industry and limit the opportunities for our artists.”
DIMA echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing streaming’s unique characteristics. “Streaming isn’t simply ‘radio online’,” stated a DIMA representative. “It’s a fundamentally different medium with its own strengths and opportunities. Regulations should reflect this reality.”
Did You Know?:
The organizations are urging the CRTC to consider the current state of streaming services and their interactions with Canadian listeners, rather than attempting to replicate the broadcasting system of the past. What role should Canadian content play in a globalized streaming landscape? And how can regulations foster both the growth of Canadian artists and the continued innovation of streaming platforms?
External Link: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
External Link: Statistics Canada – Culture
Frequently Asked Questions About the CRTC and Streaming Regulation
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