CRTC approves proposal to establish a Broadcasting Accessibility Fund

OTTAWA AND GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved BCE's proposal to establish a Broadcasting Accessibility Fund. This independent fund will support initiatives to improve access to the Canadian broadcasting system by persons with disabilities.

"Canadians with disabilities should be able to access broadcasting content using the latest technologies, applications and services," said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. "The new fund will serve as a catalyst for the development of innovative solutions and help ensure the needs of persons with disabilities are taken into consideration at the design stage."

When BCE purchased CTVglobemedia in 2011, it committed $5.7 million to create an independent Broadcasting Accessibility Fund. The company subsequently presented a proposal to the CRTC.  Different groups representing persons with disabilities were consulted and provided their comments through an open consultation process.

The fund will support accessibility projects that are supplementary to the CRTC's existing regulatory obligations for the broadcasting industry.  This could include accessibility initiatives for online and mobile programming services. The CRTC is requiring that the fund provide services and publish documents (such as application forms, policies, and annual reports) in both official languages.
The Broadcasting Accessibility Fund will begin accepting applications by December 5, 2012.

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2012-430

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference document:

News release, "CRTC approves BCE's purchase of CTVglobemedia," March 7, 2011

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2011-163

These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

SOURCE: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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