"From Pitch to Production: Building Canada's broadcasting framework of the future"

Banff, Alberta
June 9, 2025

Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Check against delivery

Introduction

Good morning, everyone, and thank you, Rod, for the warm welcome.

Before I begin my remarks, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Treaty 7 First Nations, including the Stoney and Siksika First Nations. Let us thank these communities and pay tribute to their Elders.

Thank you for inviting me to speak with you. I am happy to be joined by CRTC colleagues, including Joanne Levy, our Commissioner for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and Scott Shortliffe, our Vice-President of Broadcasting. It is also nice to see so many familiar faces in the room.

It is a pleasure to be back here with you in beautiful Banff. As you may remember, last time we were here together, I pitched a project.

The project was about how we help build the broadcasting system of the future. A system that is strong and healthy, and that features a multitude of voices creating original content for broadcast on radio, TV and streaming services.

As Canadian actor and filmmaker Dan Levy once said:" The amazing part about the Canadian identity is that it's so rich and so diverse. You are getting stories that are representing so many different types of people, and so many ways of life." Well, that sentiment captures the spirit of this project -- one focused on unity through diversity and drawing on each other's strengths to build a framework that lasts.

Last time I pitched it, we were in the development stage. Since then, we have moved past pre-production and the project is in full swing. We have been co-producing this project with many of you, and though we are not yet ready to reveal the final cut, we are making progress.

Everyone in this room knows what pre-production is like -- things start off gradually, then suddenly everything is happening all at once. The next thing you know, you are deep in production and working toward a release date. That is what it has been like for our project. We first had to put the pieces in place -- like getting a script written and setting shooting locations -- and now we are full tilt into filming.

So, in the brief time we have this morning, let me take you back to the storylines for our project. Then let us touch on the steps we have taken so far in production, and end on how diverse perspectives are bringing our project to life.

Storylines for our project

So let us go back to the storylines.

As you know, the CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. We hold public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters, and we make decisions based on the public record.

On the broadcasting side, Parliament gave us new responsibilities when it adopted the Online Streaming Act, and we have been making significant progress.

Modernizing the decades-old regulatory framework has been no small task. We knew that the changes would be substantial and complex and could not be done overnight.

So we got to work quickly, sketching out our storylines.

One of these storylines is about ensuring high-quality Canadian content. This includes news, drama, comedies, documentaries, and other types of programming. So that Canadians can easily find, watch, and listen to the diverse content they have told us they want.

Another storyline is about a sustainable broadcasting system. And what do we mean by sustainable? We mean a system that is financially resilient and capable of adapting to technological advancements and changing market dynamics. A system in which broadcasters contribute in the most effective and appropriate way for their business models. And a system that promotes fair competition, diversity and innovation.

We also have a storyline that, while perhaps less prominent, plays an important role in the overall narrative. This one is about clear and predictable rules. Because having a transparent framework ensures fairness and consistency in the regulatory environment.

And once the storylines were settled, we moved quickly toward production.

Steps taken in production

All of the actions we have taken so far have been shaped through broad consultations and have been based on a robust public record.

One example is our consultation on base contributions. The goal was to explore whether we should set base contributions for online streaming services, and if so, how much they should contribute and who should benefit from the contributions.

From the outset, the industry told us that decisions with the most impact needed to be made quickly, so we took action. That consultation included over 360 submissions and a three-week public hearing, where we heard from more than 120 groups and individuals. As you know, the resulting decision is directing an estimated $200 million annually into the Canadian broadcasting system, targeting areas of immediate need.

That decision was a key first step in establishing that online streaming services must contribute to the Canadian broadcasting system. It laid the groundwork for clear rules and determined how each player could best support the system's success as a whole.

We have continued to move quickly to build on this momentum.

In our work so far to modernize the broadcasting framework, we have launched 15 public consultations, and we are in the middle of an ambitious series of public hearings to help us make decisions.

And one of those broadcasting decisions was released just this morning. It is a decision that supports local TV news across Canada.

As you know, we established in base contributions that online streaming services should contribute toward news because of the vital role it plays in the system. Today's decision recognizes how important news broadcasters are in keeping Canadians informed and involved in their communities.

Diverse perspectives bringing our project to life

And more action is coming. Action that is based on meaningful engagement with groups and individuals, including many of you.

Less than two weeks ago, we concluded a major hearing on the definition of Canadian content for TV and online streaming services, and on supporting the creation and distribution of Canadian and Indigenous content. The level of engagement spoke volumes: we received 480 written submissions, and we heard from 78 groups during our public hearing.

While our main focus was on the definition of Canadian content, we discussed topics like the role of programs of national interest and the use of artificial intelligence. And we heard a wide range of perspectives.

We heard broad recognition for the importance of defining Canadian content and for how vital storytelling is to our culture. The definition matters because it is tied to what is broadcast, what is supported by funding, and therefore, what gets greenlit and aired. This decision will influence and shape the stories that are told in the future. 

We heard that we should maintain what is working well in the broadcasting system.

And we heard a call for continued quick action and clarity.

While we just wrapped up this hearing, we have another one starting in the coming days, where we will be turning our minds to the market dynamics within the Canadian broadcasting system. And in September, we will be holding a hearing on what Canadian content means for audio services.

We will issue key decisions on these matters starting this fall. Once the policy decisions are in place, we will move quickly to set conditions of service for the major players -- those shaping and benefiting most from Canada's broadcasting system. These conditions will bring certainty regarding Canadian programming investments while ensuring the system continues to support Canadian talent, stories, and culture.

Building the broadcasting framework of the future involves the perspectives of many to get it right -- from traditional broadcasters to producers, to Canadians, public interest groups, online streaming services, and more. Every voice can help shape what comes next.

Conclusion

On that positive note, let me leave you with this.

Our project is in full swing. Together, we are continuing to make progress.

We are helping build the broadcasting system of the future. A strong and vibrant system. One that supports the diversity and richness of the Canadian identity.

Everyone has a role to play in bringing this project to life. So let us keep moving together quickly through production.

Because our project is about more than a regulatory framework. It is about a system that inspires, connects, and reflects all Canadians. For today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Thank you.