Results of the fact-finding exercise on the over-the-top programming services : Résultats de la collecte de renseignements sur les services de programmation par contournement

In the Notice, the Commission outlined several trends3 that appear to be emerging on a preliminary basis since the publication of the Regulatory Policy and sought comments on the nature and implications of these trends. [...] However, the evidence does not demonstrate that the presence of OTT providers in Canada and greater consumption of OTT content is having a negative impact on the ability of the system to achieve the policy objectives of the Broadcasting Act or that there are structural impediments to a competitive response by licensed undertakings to the activities of OTT providers. [...] In light of the above, the Commission will not at this time consider a general review of the New Media Exemption Order, nor a review of potential policy changes to increase the regulated players’ flexibility to respond to the activities of OTT providers. [...] Next steps The Commission considers that currently it is best to allow the OTT market to continue evolving, better measurement tools to emerge and entities that contribute to the policy objectives of the Act to take advantage of the many opportunities in this new environment. [...] As such, the Commission is satisfied that broadcasters have the tools to adapt to the challenges posed by technological change and the 11 Results of the fact-finding exercise on the over-the-top programming services motivation to incorporate new platforms and formats into their business models.