Overview
- The Globe and Mail reported Monday that Ottawa is preparing formal policy directions instructing the CRTC to scrap rules that would force foreign streamers to fund local news and to contribute to the Services of Exceptional Importance Fund.
- The government has told the CRTC to review last month’s decision to raise streamer contributions to 15 per cent and plans to open talks with global platforms to agree a "more reasonable rate" that will not include local news or SEIF payments.
- Minister Marc Miller announced a C$600‑million support package intended to fill some of the funding shortfalls left by reduced streamer mandates and likely to target local news and niche broadcasters.
- Industry reaction is divided: major streaming groups and the Digital Media Association welcomed the review, while producers and private broadcasters warned the rollback could weaken long‑term funding for Canadian and Indigenous content.
- Any changes must follow formal policy‑direction rules, face ongoing court challenges to CRTC implementation, and are being weighed against U.S. trade concerns and a near‑term CUSMA review deadline.