Internet media fund proposal wrong approach
The CRTC hearings about a possible new fund for Canadian Internet content caught my attention today.
View this Globe and Mail article to learn more: http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090217.wrCRTC18/BNStory/Business/home
While I'm in favour of supporting the development of Canadian media content, I don't agree with forcing support on all Canadians through what would be a new charge on Internet bills to provide the money for this new $100 million fund.
A better solution would be to explore other ways of contributing to new funds.
Another issue is the quality of Canadian media and I still see a real need for Canadian media producers to improve the quality of their work.
The Internet has changed the media business because it allows people to choice the media they want when they want it. This means that media producers who offer good media content will do well. Canadian media producers must understand this and produce media that people want to consume.
I sincerely hope the CRTC turns down the proposal that is before them for the establishment of this fund. Instead, work must begin on finding better ways to support Canadian media producers that doesn't require Canadians to bail out producers who are not offering the media content that people want.
I also hope the CRTC does not follow through with any other bad ideas that would take away from the experience Canadians have online. The Internet is a place for choice and a place where the best media producers will survive.
Mark Taylor is veteran of the media business and founder of Fredericton-based communications firm Delora Media. Visit www.deloramedia.com
Delora Media will host seminars on March 16th designed to help businesses and not-for-profits grow during an economic downturn.
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