The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) recently introduced a streaming tax that aims to have providers like Spotify and Apple Music contribute to a broadcasting fund. However, Music Canada, the nation’s recording industry association, believes this decision may hinder innovation in the industry.
Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada, expressed disappointment with the new rules, stating that they prioritize industry policy over supporting Canadian artists. He criticized the allocation of nearly 50% of collected taxes to support terrestrial radio broadcasters.
The Online Streaming Act mandates that streaming companies with annual domestic revenues exceeding $25 million contribute 5% of their Canadian sales to support Canadian broadcasting. This is projected to generate around $200 million annually for various initiatives.
Despite the CRTC defending the tax as a way to level the playing field in Canadian broadcasting, companies like Netflix and Disney have taken legal action against it. These streaming services argue that any imposed tax will likely lead to price hikes for consumers.
In conclusion, while the CRTC aims to bring fairness and additional funds into the Canadian broadcasting system through this tax, it could potentially result in increased costs for consumers or even service limitations. Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing debate within the telecommunications industry.
