VoicePrint Related News
The CRTC approves, by majority vote, changes
to the distribution of VoicePrint, which will ensure that it is
widely distributed on a consistent channel placement throughout
Canada
Decision CRTC 2000-380
Ottawa, 11 September 2000
National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. (VoicePrint)
Across Canada - 200002022
Application processed by Public Notice CRTC 2000-59
dated 5 May 2000
Summary
VoicePrint is an English-language audio network
that provides programming of particular benefit to Canadians who
are blind, visually impaired or print handicapped. It is currently
distributed on a voluntary basis by distribution undertakings across
Canada.
Recognizing the value of this unique service, the
Commission approves, by majority vote, changes to the distribution
of VoicePrint, which will ensure that it is widely distributed on
a consistent channel placement throughout Canada and that it receives
stable funding through a monthly subscriber fee.
Pursuant to section 9(1)(h) of the Broadcasting
Act, the Commission is also issuing Distribution Order 2000-1 which
sets out the specific carriage requirements for various distribution
undertakings.
Approval of this application is in keeping with
the objectives of the Canadian broadcasting policy as described
in section 3(1)(p) of the Act, which states that "programming
accessible by disabled persons should be provided within the Canadian
broadcasting system as resources become available for this purpose."
The application
- Although National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. (NBRS) provides
VoicePrint to a number of cable systems across Canada, it has
been unable to conclude any formal carriage agreements. Consequently,
the way VoicePrint is carried varies from market to market, and
the service is sometimes distributed on a sporadic basis.
- To alleviate this problem, NBRS wishes to establish a constant
"home channel" for VoicePrint where it can promote the
service. For this reason, NBRS requested an amendment to VoicePrint's
licence that would allow it to be distributed as a "secondary
audio program" (SAP) service. It also asked the Commission
to direct Class 1 and Class 2 broadcasting distribution undertakings
to distribute VoicePrint on Newsworld's SAP channel.
- A SAP service is carried alongside a television signal as an
alternative to the standard audio that accompanies the video portion
of a television program. Listeners can then choose this secondary
audio signal through either a television or stereo VCR equipped
to receive SAP or through a special decoder.
- The licensee also requested authority to charge distributors
of VoicePrint a monthly wholesale rate of $0.01 per subscriber
which could, in turn, be charged to subscribers on a "pass-through"
basis. NBRS argued that, to remain viable, it must have an immediate
source of stable funding. In the past, VoicePrint received funding
from, among other sources, the benefits packages offered by broadcasters
and distributors as part of ownership transactions. Since distributors
are no longer required to offer such benefits, VoicePrint cannot
rely on this source of revenue. Moreover, inconsistency in VoicePrint's
distribution has impeded advertising sales. As a result, the licensee
currently depends on the occasional grants it receives as well
as the participation of volunteers to operate the service. NBRS
argued that it cannot continue operating on this basis and that
the proposed fee will enable it to provide a core service.
- With respect to distributors serving francophone markets, NBRS
confirmed that it would not object to the Commission exempting
such Class 1 and Class 2 licensees from mandatory carriage of
the service. Interventions
- The Commission received some 600 interventions in support of
this application from a broad cross-section of Canadians, including
community organizations, advocacy groups, volunteers, users of
VoicePrint, Members of Parliament and provincial and municipal
politicians. While supporting the application, Bell ExpressVu
Limited Partnership, licensee of a national DTH satellite distribution
undertaking, the Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA),
and an individual user of VoicePrint expressed some concerns.
- Bell ExpressVu stated that its DTH undertaking employs digital
technology and is not configured to use a SAP service. It explained
that SAP is an analog concept that does not translate directly
to digital. According to the intervener, the re-engineering that
would be required for its DTH undertaking to adapt to a SAP service
would be costly and disruptive to subscribers. Bell ExpressVu
noted that it currently distributes VoicePrint free on an audio
channel located close to other audio services. It argued that
the most efficient method would be for it to continue distributing
VoicePrint on a dedicated audio channel.
- Bell ExpressVu also noted that it offers a national service,
serving both English-language and French-language subscribers.
It stated that, for reasons of competitive equity, its French-language
subscribers should receive the same consideration as subscribers
in francophone cable and MDS markets and not be required to pay
a fee to receive VoicePrint.
- The CCTA expressed concern that mandatory carriage of VoicePrint
on Newsworld's SAP channel would generate significant head-end
costs for cable systems to accommodate the new technology. It
added that cable operators would need at least twelve to twenty-four
months to implement the changes.
- According to the CCTA, moving VoicePrint to the Newsworld SAP
channel would cause disruption to users of the service who are
accustomed to receiving it as part of their cable system's radio
service or as an audio component of an alphanumeric service. The
CCTA also claimed that some users would have to buy either a stereo
television or a SAP receiver to get VoicePrint on Newsworld's
SAP.
- In response to Bell ExpressVu, the licensee stated that, since
DTH and MDS systems use digital technology, it would not object
to them distributing VoicePrint as a dedicated audio signal as
long as it is placed immediately next to a CBC radio service.
This placement will enable the licensee to promote VoicePrint's
location. NBRS also agreed with Bell ExpressVu that its francophone
customers should not have to pay the proposed fee.
- In response to the CCTA, the licensee stated that currently
2 million, or 25%, of cabled households do not receive VoicePrint.
NBRS maintained that mandatory distribution of VoicePrint with
a pass-through subscriber fee is essential to provide the service
with stable funding and to ensure that it is widely available
to Canadians.
- With regard to the CCTA's concerns related to the expense involved
with the proposed change, NBRS clarified that the actual cost
of adding VoicePrint to Newsworld's SAP channel is lower than
the $8,000 to $15,000 for each head end originally indicated in
the application. Since cable operators already have the equipment
in place to distribute the audio and video portions of Newsworld,
they need only purchase either an upgraded SAP generator (for
approximately $900), or a stand-alone generator and a card to
modulate the signal (for about $1,650).
- NBRS affirmed that, rather than disrupting users, moving VoicePrint
to a permanent home would solve the problem of different distribution
arrangements on cable systems. According to research conducted
by NBRS in 1996, 70% of VoicePrint's customers have stereo televisions.
The licensee claimed that one can reasonably assume that a significantly
larger percentage of users are now equipped with either a stereo
VCR or a television, either of which can receive the Newsworld
SAP signal. Those without such devices can purchase them for less
than $200.
- In response to an individual user of VoicePrint who stated that
the service should be distributed on a "common channel for
easy access" rather than a SAP channel, NBRS acknowledged
that this method is also its preferred option. It noted, however,
that limited channel capacity precludes such distribution.
The Commission's determination
- The Commission approves, by majority vote, NBRS's request to
amend VoicePrint's license to allow the service to be distributed
as a SAP service.
- The Commission has taken into consideration the substantial
support expressed by interveners for VoicePrint's service. The
Commission is also satisfied that NBRS has fully addressed the
concerns raised in the interventions indicating conditional support
for this application.
- The Commission agrees with NBRS that consistent placement of
VoicePrint on the channel-lineups of distribution undertakings
will establish an easily-identifiable "home" channel
where it can promote the service to visually impaired and other
potential listeners and more easily sell advertising. As well,
the Commission accepts NBRS's argument that VoicePrint needs a
pass-through subscriber fee to provide stable funding so that
the service can continue operation.
- Section 3(1)(p) of the Broadcasting Act states "programming
accessible by disabled persons should be provided within the Canadian
broadcasting system as resources become available for the purpose."
Consistent with this objective of the Canadian broadcasting policy,
the Commission considers that VoicePrint's unique service should
be available to all Canadians. For this reason, the Commission
has decided to utilize one of the regulatory tools available to
it to grant mandatory distribution of VoicePrint across Canada
in Anglophone Class 1 and Class 2 licensee and MDS markets and
to subscribers to DTH undertakings who choose basic service packages
having predominately English-language services. Accordingly, pursuant
to section 9(1)(h) of the Act, the Commission has issued Distribution
Order 2000-1, attached to this decision, setting out the specific
requirements for VoicePrint's distribution.
- The Commission has decided not to impose mandatory carriage
of VoicePrint on cable and MDS systems operating in francophone
markets. It will also not require DTH undertakings to provide
VoicePrint to their subscribers who choose a basic service package
consisting of mostly French-language services. Recognizing the
value of VoicePrint's service to all Canadians, the Commission
nevertheless encourages distributors to make it widely available
to all of their customers.
- The Commission also approves, by majority vote, NBRS's proposal
to charge distributors of VoicePrint a monthly wholesale rate.
By conditions of license, the Commission authorizes the licensee
to charge: each Class 1 and Class 2 licensee and MDS distribution
undertaking distributing VoicePrint in an Anglophone market a
maximum fee of $0.01 per subscriber per month; and each DTH distribution
undertaking a maximum monthly fee of $0.01 for each subscriber
who subscribes to a basic service package which has a preponderance
of English-language services.
- Pursuant to the attached distribution order, distributors are
authorized to increase the basic monthly fee to be paid by their
subscribers by no more than the amount specified in the above-noted
conditions of licence.
Secretary General
This decision is to be appended to the license.
It is available in alternative format upon request, and may also
be examined at the following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca
Appendix to Decision CRTC 2000-380
Distribution Order 2000-1
Distribution of the programming service of the
National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. (NBRS) by persons licensed
to carry on certain types of broadcasting distribution undertakings.
The Commission hereby orders, pursuant to section 9(1)(h) of the
Broadcasting Act, persons licensed to carry on broadcasting distribution
undertakings of the types identified in paragraph (a) below to distribute
NBRS's programming service in the manner specified in paragraph
(b) below, effective 12 March 2001, on the following terms and conditions:
(a) This Order applies to Class 1 and Class 2 distribution
undertakings, including multipoint distribution system (MDS) undertakings,
and DTH distribution undertakings. These licensees are collectively
referred to in this Order as distribution licensees.
(b) Distribution licensees shall distribute NBRS's programming service
in the manner specified as follows:
(i) Any Class 1 or Class 2 licensee that distributes services on
an analog basis shall distribute NBRS's programming service on CBC
Newsworld's secondary audio program channel in Anglophone markets;
(ii) Any Class 1 or Class 2 licensee that distributes services on
digital basis, and any MDS licensee, shall distribute NBRS' programming
service on an audio channel, ideally one adjacent to a CBC radio
channel, in Anglophone markets;
(iii) Where a Class 1 or Class 2 licensee distributes services on
both an analog and a digital basis, the licensee shall distribute
NBRS's programming service in accordance with both subparagraphs
(i) and (ii); and (iv) DTH distribution undertaking licensees shall
distribute NBRS's programming service on an audio channel, ideally
adjacent to CBC radio where possible, to all persons subscribing
to any of the undertaking's basic service package that has a preponderance
of English-language services.
(c) Distribution licensees are authorized to increase
the basic monthly fee to be paid by their subscribers by no more
than the amount authorized under the terms of NBRS's license. For
the purposes of this Order, basic service, Class 1 licensee, Class
2 licensee, DTH distribution undertaking, licensed, Anglophone market,
and programming service carry the meanings assigned to them in the
Broadcasting Distribution Regulations, as amended from time to time.
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