Broadcasting and Digital Communications

The Broadcasting and Digital Communications Branch was created in February 2009, when the former Broadcasting Policy and Programs Branch and the former Canadian Culture Online Branch merged. With the evolution of communication platforms and the blurring of boundaries between the broadcasting and digital media sectors, the merger of these two branches has created an organization that is in a better position to respond to the opportunities presented by the digital communications environment. Broadcasting and Digital Communications better positions Canadian Heritage to support the creation of innovative content on multiple platforms and it better equips the Department to meet the needs of Canadians.

Canada's broadcasting and digital communications sectors play an important role in our country's cultural landscape, contributing to Canadian identity and the democratic process. The sectors are important in maintaining our sovereignty and developing Canada's knowledge economy.

Canadian Heritage ensures that the Canadian broadcasting and digital communications sectors contribute to the realization of Canadian social, cultural and economic objectives as defined by the Broadcasting Act and enhance the creation of and access to Canadian content on multiple platforms.

The Broadcasting Act also sets out a framework for the activities of Canada's broadcasting entities such as the national public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada and Canada's regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Canadian Heritage is responsible for designing and administering programs to support the policies as set out in the Broadcasting Act. The Canada Media Fund, a public-private partnership, provides funding for the creation of television convergent digital content in both official languages and Aboriginal languages and leading-edge non-linear content and applications designed for distribution on multiple platforms. The Canada Interactive Fund provides funding for the creation of online Canadian interactive content and applications developed by Official Language Minority Community, Aboriginal, ethnocultural and other not-for-profit cultural organizations.

Canadian Heritage is also responsible for providing the Governor in Council with advice on petitions to the Governor in Council regarding decisions made by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to issue, amend or renew a broadcasting licence.

Through the Broadcasting and Digital Communications Branch, Canadian Heritage liaises with a wide variety of companies, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. The Branch also liaises with unions, guilds and associations representing the broadcasting and the digital media industries.