Last month, the Canadian Radio-television & Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued several warnings to Toronto-based adult television channels AOV Adult Movie Channel, XXX Action Clips, and Maleflixxx, as they were failing to meet the required 35 per cent Canadian content threshold. This apparent non-compliance may mean suspension or loss of license for these three adult TV channels.
Since releasing these warnings, the CRTC has received a great deal of criticism for pursuing a seemingly trivial issue. However, these violations should be taken seriously as Canadian content has proven to be beneficial.
Some are of the opinion that Canadian content regulations, as laid out by the Broadcasting Act, should not apply to certain varieties of television, such as pornography. This mentality is often backed by the assumption that the Internet has made porn a borderless industry.
Canadian porn is irrefutably beneficial to the Canadian economy.
While the web has doubtlessly expanded the industry, all televised programs should still adhere to the rules of Canadian broadcasting, as these rules were established for legitimate reasons. Airing Canadian-made programs that reflect our attitudes, values, and creativity allows us to display Canadian talent in entertainment, employ local resources, and distinguish ourselves from American programming.
While it may be hard for some to imagine how Canadian porn can be culturally beneficial, it is irrefutably beneficial to the Canadian economy. Hiring Canadians to shoot, act, edit, and write porn keeps jobs in Canada. Upholding the 35 per cent threshold is important to anyone in film, radio, or television.
Before the act was created, the majority of content on television and the radio was of either British or American origin. At first many stations were hesitant to accept the Broadcasting Act, wanting to “play the hits” rather than find unknown Canadian talent.
By pressuring companies to seek out Canadian content, Canada was able to create an industry that became profitable to us. Since the establishment of the Broadcasting Act, channels such as CBC have flourished.
Some say that there is not enough interest in Canadian porn for a real industry to exist, but this is simply not true. Last year, Northern Peaks, an Edmonton-based company, went above and beyond as 50 per cent of their scheduled programming was Canadian-made pornography. This year it was reported that the Québécois porn industry was thriving and beginning to rival those of LA and Amsterdam. Why neglect a growing industry?
While having the US so geographically close can be great for weekend excursions, it’s important we don’t let Canadian culture succumb to American influence. Instead of mimicking American programs, Canadians should try to differentiate themselves from their southern neighbours. Who’s to say that porno can’t take place at a sugar shack in Quebec or in a lighthouse in Nova Scotia?
The CRTC was created to enforce the regulations surrounding broadcasting and Canadian content. These rules reaffirm more than just Canadian identity; they help support jobs and industry in Canada, as well as prevent the total domination of American media that would otherwise occur.
While Canadian porn seems odd and insignificant, the CRTC’s prosecution of their non-compliances is valid. We as Canadians should pride ourselves on homegrown talent and creativity.
