In December 1975, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) introduced Policies Respecting Broadcasting Receiving Undertakings (Cable Television). In this first community channel policy, the CRTC stipulated that cable companies with over 6,000 subscribers must provide a local channel for residents of the community.

The community channel is accessible to cable subscribers. In metropolitan areas like Toronto, there are different community channels for designated regions of the city. There are presently over 225 community channels operating across Canada.

How is community television different?

Community programming stresses local content and production. It is television for the community by the community. Introduced as a public service, the role of the community channel is to facilitate self-expression by members of the community.

While most network television stations are funded by advertising revenues, funding for community television comes directly from the cable company. The community channel is principally financed by the cable industry. According to the Community Channel Policy, which was reviewed in June 1991, (CRTC Public Notice 1991-59) cable companies must use 5% of their basic revenues to support community programming.

Sponsorship is another form of funding for community channels. Cable licensees are allowed to broadcast simple oral or written acknowledgements in return for financial assistance or the provision of goods or services.

Cable companies with fewer than 2,000 subscribers are permitted to sell up to 12 minutes of local advertising per hour if they are in communities with no local radio or TV stations originating programming.

Complaints

The Cable Television Community Channel Standards Policy, released by the CRTC in June 1992, outlines the complaints procedure and the adjudication process for community channels. These standards are administered by the Canadian Cable Television Standards Foundation.