OpenMedia Boycotts CRTC Review of Netflix, YouTube

Online petitioners say the broadcast watchdog is biased toward industry heavy hitters as it prepares for proceedings into "over the top" services.

OpenMedia.ca has announced a boycott of the CRTC's review into “over-the-top” services such as YouTube and Netflix, arguing that the proceedings are biased in favour of the telecom industry. The online digital rights petitioners denounce the broadcast watchdog for not compensating public-interest groups, such as OpenMedia.ca, for expenses incurred getting to hearings, and for urging the major cable and internet companies to get their act together and launch a new industry association to tackle the over-the-top sector. OpenMedia.ca executive director Steve Anderson says all this amounts to the CRTC very clearly siding with industry giants such as Bell, Rogers, and Shaw, and that he will therefore boycott the proceedings.