With a rapidly evolving broadcast and telecommunications industry, it would make perfect and timely sense that the mandate of the thirtysomething CRTC finally be held under the microscope and revised to reflect the industry’s changing needs and demands.

And with only an acting leader in place since the departure of Francoise Bertrand, the commission is more vulnerable than ever. Perhaps that’s why rumors persist that the federal government is putting together a panel of industry representatives to review the longstanding mandate of the CRTC.

While Heritage Canada denies any such review or panel positioning is underway, it may just be a matter of time, four months to be precise, the federal government steps in.

If the whole of the CRTC were to go under review, which is what current rumors are suggesting, it would be a joint effort of Canadian Heritage and Industry Canada.

More interesting, however, is the question of who exactly would make up this panel.

Surely a panel representing broadcasters, cablers, producers and telcos could come to some effective and balanced conclusions in no time; or never.

Talk bubbling in backrooms suggests that to avoid conflict, confusion and gridlock, the panel may turn into one singular voice of authority.

It is also rumored the panel will focus on changes that don’t require any legislative amendments to the CRTC’s existing mandate.

While CRTC critics argue for a more tapered model of regulation attuned to the current cultural, technological and market realities, defenders whose businesses have thrived in a protected environment will fight tooth and nail to keep the status quo. And, of course, cultural protectionism is as much a part of Canada as culturalism imperialism is to the U.S. *

-www.crtc.gc.ca