CRTC chairperson and CEO Vicky Eatrides will deliver a keynote session at the 2023 Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) in June.

The keynote will take place on June 12, and mark her first appearance at the festival. BANFF’s 44th edition will run from June 11 to 14 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alta.

Eatrides succeeded former CRTC chairperson and CEO Ian Scott at the beginning of 2023. Her five-year term began as Bill C-11, a.k.a. The Online Streaming Act, neared the legislative finish line at third reading at the Senate. The bill was created to modernize the Broadcasting Act to bring foreign-owned online undertakings under CRTC regulation.

A motion from Minister of Heritage Pablo Rodriguez to reject a number of Senate amendments to C-11 is currently being debated at the House of Commons.

Once the bill receives royal assent, the CRTC will receive a policy direction from Canadian Heritage on how to interpret and enact the legislation, followed by public consultations.

Eatrides formerly served as the assistant deputy minister at the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and has also previously held a number of senior roles at the Competition Bureau of Canada. She has taught competition law at Queen’s University.

“Chairperson Eatrides’ BANFF debut comes at a pivotal time of critical examination and foundational change for the Canadian and international media industry,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, executive director, Banff World Media Festival, and VP, publisher, Playback.

BANFF previously announced George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, and CCO, news and sports, for Paramount+, as its first keynote speaker as part of the festival’s Summit Series. The festival also unveiled a spotlight session with Universal Studio Group, including president of Universal Television Erin Underhill, president of Universal International Studios and UCP Beatrice Springborn, and president of Universal Television Alternative Studio Toby Gorman.

Image courtesy of Ink Media PR