The CRTC has launched a proceeding to ensure that French language music programming isn’t losing the space it deserves as Canadian radio consumption habits change.

The effort is aimed at examining current regulations for French-language content in music programming with an aim to optimize discovery, promotion, creation and consumption of music in French.

Through these proceedings, the regulatory body is working to ensure that French-language music content is accessible, and that there are platforms that can support the work of established and emerging Francophone musicians. The effort is part of its earlier announced 2015-2018 Three-Year Plan.

Jean-Pierre Blais, CRTC’s chairman has asked industry members to send in “innovative ideas” to assist the CRTC in fostering “better promotion, discovery and consumption of French-language music.”

CRTC’s decision to investigate this space is based on the impact of the digital age on consumption patterns. Canadian Francophones are increasingly choosing to listen to to English-language stations over French-language stations. Streaming services are also pulling people away from traditional radio stations. With enhanced broadband access, listeners are accessing streaming services while on the go and at home.

Public comments must be in by third of September by filing comments online, by mail or by fax.

A public hearing on the matter will be held in Quebec City on Nov. 16.

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