(from IP) From: Michael Geist <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Of possible interest to IP -- for the past two weeks, I've run columns on how (whether) national cultural policy can survive in the age of the Internet.� Last week's column examined several recent Canadian legal developments including CRTC hearings on satellite radio and VoIP, a Quebec court decision on satellite television, and copyright reform, arguing that the common thread through the cases how to adapt decades-old Canadian policies to new technological environments. The column argued that although the goals of promoting Canadian cultural products and services may remain unchanged, Canada must now consider whether the tools designed to achieve those goals - many of which were created in a far different technological environment - remain appropriate.� That column is online at <http://geistnetandculturepolicy.notlong.com>. This week's column picks up on that theme by arguing that the current Canadian culture toolkit must be recast for the 21st century by adapting it to emerging technologies and to legal frameworks that render obsolete longstanding policy mechanisms. The column identifies three key principles -- (1) acknowledgement that Canadian content requirements are only marginally effective and Internet distribution provides a more useful channel; (2) discarding the notion that cultural foreign ownership restrictions provide effective protections; and (3) avoiding unnecessary protectionist legislation that serves primarily to benefit foreign interests and marketplace incumbents.� Column (posted below) is online at <http://geistculturetoolkit.notlong.com>. You are a subscribed member of the infowarrior list. Visit www.infowarrior.org for list information or to unsubscribe. This message may be redistributed freely in its entirety. Any and all copyrights appearing in list messages are maintained by their respective owners.
