Broadcasting Policy and Programs

The Broadcasting Policy and Programs Branch formulates policies, proposes legislation and designs and administers programs in relation to the Canadian broadcasting system. The focus of the Branch's efforts is to support the development of the national broadcasting system and advise the government on regulatory issues, including Canadian content, access to services and competition.

Canada's broadcasting industry plays an important role in our country's cultural landscape. It contributes to Canadian identity and the democratic process. It is important in the maintenance of our sovereignty and to the development of Canada's knowledge economy.

Canadian Heritage is responsible for advising the government on policy based on Canada's Broadcasting Act. Broadcasting policy provides a framework for the activities of Canada's broadcasting entities such as the national public broadcaster Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - CBC, Canada's broadcast regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Canadian Television Fund (CTF), the entity that funds high-quality Canadian television productions.

Canadian Heritage is 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.

Canadian Heritage ensures that the Canadian broadcasting system contributes to the realization of Canadian social, cultural and economic objectives as defined by the Broadcasting Act and enhances the production and exhibition of Canadian television and radio programming and its availability to Canadians. Through the Broadcasting Policy and Programs Branch, it works with a variety of stakeholders including broadcasting companies and owners, industry associations, guilds and unions as well as the public.

The Broadcasting Policy and Programs Branch is made up of four directorates:

Distribution Policy is responsible for policy development regarding Cable and Direct-to-Home undertakings and other distribution platforms, analyzing trends in the convergence of the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, and the impact of the Internet on broadcasting.

Programming Services Policy is responsible for administering government funding to and relations with the Canadian Television Fund, for advising on public and private broadcasting issues and related economic research and analysis.

Regulatory Affairs is responsible for legislative issues, CRTC liaison and issues, including petitions to the Governor in Council in respect of CRTC decisions to issue, amend or renew a broadcasting licence and the broadcasting system's role in public safety.

Social Policy & Audience Analysis is responsible for examining media concentration issues, cultural diversity issues, cross-media ownership, social analysis, special needs, research and trends analysis.