Quebec has tabled a bill that would require streaming platforms to add more French-language content.
The legislation is titled An Act to affirm the cultural sovereignty of Quebec and to enact the Act respecting the discoverability of French-language cultural content in the digital environment. It would apply to any digital platform that features media content, including video streaming platforms like Netflix and Crave, music services like Spotify, and audiobook platforms like Audible.
Speaking to CBC News, Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe argued there is little French-language media on these services. For example, he says only 8.5 percent of the music people listen to in Quebec is in French.
The bill calls for a quota to be imposed on French-language media, as well as improved discoverability for this content. This would include interfaces for screening online videos in French by default. The bill would also not be limited to Quebec productions. However, the bill would not apply to digital platforms who are focused on Indigenous content.
The legislation comes amid the CRTC’s two-week public hearing to define Canadian content as part of its Online Streaming Act.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Via: CBC News
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