What do you know about the digitalization of TV?

The CRTC has responded to growing concerns about the lack of awareness in Canada regarding the impacts of the transition from analog to digital television. All Canadian broadcasters are now required to participate in a national awareness campaign by airing Public Service Announcements (PSAs). But is that enough?

The CRTC has responded to growing concerns about the lack of awareness in Canada regarding the impacts of the transition from analog to digital television. All Canadian broadcasters are now required to participate in a national awareness campaign by airing Public Service Announcements (PSAs). But is that enough?

In December 2010, the CRTC asked for comments on a proposed set of regulations meant to further a national awareness campaign informing Canadians about the impacts of the transition on their television services. Many interveners, including Openmedia.ca, have suggested that PSAs may not be enough, and that the CRTC should establish a coordinated national campaign. Even broadcasters themselves have criticized the proposed PSAs for being too confusing.

In light of these comments, the CRTC has simplified the content of the announcements, yet it has refused to create a coordinated national campaign -- arguing that broadcasters themselves are expected to actively participate in the creation and implementation of a coordinated national consumer education program. The broadcasters are now required to air at least six 30 second-long announcements a day, beginning May 1, 2011, that include information on the effects of the transition, exact dates of changes, and details on the possible loss of services.

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