Canuck high court: ISPs unlike b'casters

Canada's Top Court on Thursday declined the argument that Online sites companies ought to be treated like tv stations and forced to stick to exactly the same rules that govern local TV systems.A number of Canada's cultural unions and guilds had petitioned a legal court so that they can make ISPs that provide download or streaming services, including Bell and Rogers, to follow along with Canadian content and funding rules."When supplying internet access, the only purpose of ISPs put into problem through the reference question, they take no part within the selection, origination or packaging of content," a legal court mentioned.It is a blow for stars union ACTRA, the Canadian Media Production Assn., the Company directors Guild of Canada and also the Authors Guild of Canada, which initially introduced the question towards the Federal Court of Appeal in '09. That court also ruled the ISPs weren't "broadcast undertakings." The cultural groups reason that the broadcasting rules are technology neutral -- quite simply it does not matter if your Television show has been proven on the TV network or on the web, exactly the same rules should apply.The coalition states it'll still press for those involved with broadcasting to lead to Canadian production.The Television systems need to follow Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission rules that pressure these to finance local production and provide shows significant airtime. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com