For some time, I have been writing [for example, here] about the need to create a national digital strategy, a view that is being expressed by others.
For example, during the New Media hearings, Tom Perlmutter of the National Film Board spoke of the need for a national digital strategy:
We need to ensure that the infrastructure meets the needs of today and tomorrow, which means advanced digital networks, broadband and wireless. We need to cross digital divides between the digital haves and have-nots. We need to ensure broad-based digital literacy. We need rich Canadian content that is both multi-platform and cross-platform, and unique creations for specific platforms. We need training for new modes of production. We need to evolve our business and financing models. We need to figure out how to create international digital co-production partnerships. We need to work at building strong digital brands that will capture the imagination of our audiences. Most of all, we need a vision.
CRTC chair Konrad von Finckenstein said that he sympathized and agreed with this call for a national vision during those hearings. He demonstrated his support during last week’s appearance before the House Committee on Canadian Heritage [streaming media, 150Kbps], recommending that the Committee listen to Mr. Perlmutter’s call for the development of a national digital strategy.
I have not seen this comment picked up in the media or on other blogs – did the Committee hear the call? Will momentum build for a new national task force or royal commission?
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national digital strategy, CRTC