Re: Forum: The CRTC screwed up satellite TV, now they want to screwup the Internet

[Elaine Bougie Gilligan <ebg_gmcc@direct.ca>]

organisation: None

date: Sept. 27/8

message: I understand the jumpiness about the CRTC and endorse most of
Harley Walker's remarks. Unlike many commentators on this site, though, I
don't ascribe terrible motives to the CRTC, and don't agree the Commission
has done nothing good for Canada. I happen to think there's a place in
SOME media for the regulation of content. In music, for example, I think
the Canadian industry's really been helped to its feet by Canadian content
regulations. 

The Commission, though, needs to recognize the difference between media
within the national boundaries, and with a clear opportunity for support
and encouragement of Canadian cultural industries, which SHOULD be its
mission. Nevertheless, anyone who spends any time on the Internet, for one
example of "new media", will see that this is a medium without borders,
and the Commission can't hope to do anything constructive by attempting to
regulate its CONTENT.

What it COULD do is try to prevent monopolistic players (like Rogers
Communications) from extending their monopolies into new areas like
internet service provision. If the US government can take an interest in
trying to break Microsoft's monopoly on Internet software, the CRTC can do
the same when it comes to "hardware" hookups to deliver faster on-line
service. There have to be ways of preventing major corporations from
controlling pricing, the way monopolies like Rogers have done with cable
television. 

The "new media" will be just like the "old media" if, increasingly, only
the affluent get to tune in and to speak their piece interactively.