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Is the era of OTT Self Regulation coming to an end? Let's decode the Canadian OTT stream Bill

Also - Box office Collection report, Top OTT shows list and an interesting story about Cannes Film Festival

Author

Vipul Agrawal
May 17, 2023

In focus- Canadian Online Stream Bill, it’s purpose and implications on the streaming landscape

Hi Leedsters!

I am Vipul and welcome to the fresh issue of Leeds1888. You are all my tribe of sincere readers whom I will fondly call Leedsters from now on ! You want to know why? Well, have a look at this screenshot !


Can you believe it? We've reached this milestone together, and it fills me with joy to announce that we now have an active subscriber base of 9,719 on our fabulous Beehive platform (check us out at https://leeds1888.beehiiv.com/) and close to 1,200 subscribers on LinkedIn. We are indeed a tribe!

Your support has been overwhelming, and I'm deeply grateful for the love and enthusiasm you've shown for this newsletter. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

With so many emails and comments flooding my inbox, it's clear that Leeds1888 has found its true audience. I always believed that there was a space for a credible newsletter on media and entertainment, but I never anticipated such a quick and incredible response. Your interest fuels my passion, and I promise to continue delivering relevant and engaging content for you to enjoy.

So, without further ado, let's dive into today's exciting issue of Leeds1888! Today In Focus: We'll be decoding the recently passed "Online Streaming Bill" in Canada. Join me as we explore the pros and cons of this bill and discuss how its implementation could potentially impact the overall landscape of over-the-top (OTT) streaming. Imagine if more countries follow suit! Will this be a game-changer for the future of online streaming? Let's find out together.

In addition-

  • Box Office Collection Report: Hollywood and India Movies

  • Top News from the Media and Entertainment World

  • Top Shows running across OTT platforms

  • Pearls from the Past: The Fascinating History of Cannes Film Festival.

And, after the main story I am going to ask for Your Opinion. The best reply will be featured in the next issue of Leeds1888. You get a shout out and an opportunity to reach over 12,000 readers! So put on your thinking caps and get ready to engage in some lively discussions & polls.

In Focus

The lower house of the Canadian Parliament recently passed the 'Online Streaming Act,' also known as Bill C-11. Here are the salient points of the bill:

  1. OTT platforms now fall under the purview of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), a government body.

  2. The Act encourages OTT platforms to feature more local content and involve Canadians from diverse backgrounds in broadcast programming.

  1. The bill grants the government agency CRTC the power to revoke licences and impose penalties for violating orders and regulations. This implies that the body can exert full control over content, citing various reasons, and push OTT platforms to adhere to their guidelines.

  1. The bill remains unclear regarding the regulation of user-generated content streamed via platforms.

The passage of this bill means that OTT platforms will be subject to the same censorship at par with the television and radio broadcast stations.

As a result:

  • The emphasis on promoting local content may limit viewers' access to diverse content from around the world.

  • Centralised regulation by a governing body raises concerns about freedom of expression for content creators.

While supporters of the bill argue that it aligns with existing broadcasting standards and grants content broadcasters independence and freedom of expression, those opposing the bill say that in this digital age, platforms and studios have successfully practised self-regulation, creating content in various genres that has garnered a global audience. This has been a key factor in their meteoric rise and therefore regulations must not be imposed.

Here is a list of nationwide bodies and regulations governing these platforms

ViewPoint

The government bodies should not impose regulations that could curtail freedom of expression, including the type of content, region, subject matter, and treatment of subjects, as long as OTT platforms adhere to a self-regulated code of conduct. We live in a free and digitally connected world, and this should be reflected in the realm of digital content as well.

Share your Opinion & Participate in the Poll

What is your opinion on the bill? Do you agree that OTT and other digital content should be regulated by governing bodies who determine what viewers should and should not see? Share your thoughts, and the best comment will be included in the next newsletter

Poll Time

The OTT platforms should have self-regulation rather than Government Regulations on streaming content.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

This Week’s Most Watched Shows & Movies on Global OTT platforms

Buzz in the Media Industry

Pearls From the Past

The First Cannes Film Festival that never took place !

The first Cannes Film Festival faced a twist of fate, starting on September 1, 1939, precisely when Hitler unleashed his blitzkrieg. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on their side, and the festival had to be abandoned after showing just one film (The Hunchback of Notre Dame). The organisers thought it wise to wait for calmer times to give it another shot.

Little did they know, calmness took its sweet time, and it wasn't until 1946 that the festival finally got its chance to shine again. Talk about a dramatic pause in the world of cinema!

Well, that’s all in this issue of Leeds 1888, thanks for reading.

See you again next week!

Take care,

Vipul.

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