Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is the federal government agency which regulates and supervises all sectors of the Canadian telecommunications and broadcasting system, including AM and FM radio, traditional television broadcasting, cable, and pay and specialty services.
The CRTC grants, amends and renews broadcast licences, monitors the performance of licencees (TV cable companies, cable and radio stations) and establishes broadcasting regulation and policy. The CRTC works closely with the industry the development of broadcasting standards regarding violent content, gender portrayal, cultural/minority rights, advertising and programs aimed at children.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB)
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) represents the majority of privately-owned, advertising-supported television and radio stations across Canada. It represents nearly 402 radio stations, 78 television stations and one network. The CAB keeps members abreast of changing technologies and new services, offers advice on technical, regulatory and advertising issues, works to improve the financial health of the industry, and presents the industry's position to governments, regulators and consumers. The CAB was founded in 1926.
The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC)
The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) is an independent council created by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) in 1990 to respond to public complaints about radio and television programming. The CBSC administers the voluntary broadcasting codes developed by the industry and informs broadcasters of trends in complaints. When complaints are lodged, the CBSC acts as the "middle-man" between the public and the broadcasting industry. For example, if a complaint is settled at the CBSC level, then it doesn't go on record at the station level. When problems cannot be resolved by the CBSC, the CRTC makes the final decisions - which will remain on record at the station level.
The CBSC has three principal objectives:
- to assist in the application of specific voluntary broadcast standards developed by the CAB.
- to provide a recourse for members of the public regarding application of these standards.
- to inform broadcasters of emerging societal trends (including developments in the codes and their administration) and suggest ways to deal with them.
