QuebecS New Bill for French-Language Content on streaming Platforms
Quebec has introduced a new bill aimed at increasing teh availability of French-language content on streaming services. This legislation is known as the Act to affirm the Cultural Sovereignty of Quebec and Enact the Act Respecting the Discoverability of French-Language Cultural Content in the Digital Surroundings.
Scope of the Legislation
The proposed law will affect all digital platforms that provide media content. This includes popular video streaming services like Netflix and crave, music platforms such as Spotify, and audiobook providers like Audible. The goal is to ensure that these platforms offer more content in French.
Concerns About Language Representation
quebec's Culture Minister, mathieu Lacombe, highlighted a significant issue regarding language representation in media. He pointed out that only 8.5 percent of music listened to in Quebec is in French. This statistic underscores a broader concern about the lack of accessible French-language media on major streaming services.
Quotas and Discoverability Measures
To address this issue, the bill proposes specific quotas for French-language media on these platforms. It also aims to enhance how easily users can find this content online. For instance, there would be features allowing videos to play in French by default when available.
Importantly, while this legislation encourages more local productions, it does not restrict itself solely to Quebec-made content. However, it will not apply to digital platforms dedicated exclusively to Indigenous content.
Context Within Broader Regulations
This legislative move comes during a two-week public hearing held by Canada's CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission). The hearings are part of efforts related to defining canadian content under its online Streaming Act.
By implementing these changes, Quebec aims not only to promote its culture but also ensure that residents have better access to media that reflects their language and identity.
