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2004
| December |
Ad Revenues Key to Media’s Health, ACA tells Senate Committee
Toronto, December 14, 2004: Advertising is critical to a healthy and robust media system in Canada, and without this revenue the present system could not be sustained, the Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA) told the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications today in Toronto. The Committee, which is holding cross-country public hearings, is reviewing the impact on Canada’s news media of globalization, technological change, convergence and concentration of ownership.
Click here for the entire media release. |
| November |
Advertising to Children in Canada: A Reference Guide
This guide is designed to serve as a reference to identify what industry is continuing to do to ensure responsible advertising to children in Canada. Through self-regulated and government-mandated codes of conduct, advertisers comply with stringent regulations and also provide media literacy and other educational programs to teach children about healthy life choices.
Click here to download |
| November 2 |
New PPM Research Fails to Answer ACAs Concerns
As a follow-up to our July 27th member alert (ACA Issues Caution on Quebec PPM TV Audience Measurement), new Portable People Meter
research has been released that gives strong support to our concerns with this new technology. BBM has been using PPM-generated TV
audiences for Quebec since September 1st of this year.
Read ACAs Member Alert |
| July 27 |
ACA Issues Caution on Quebec PPM TV Audience Measurement: Calls on industry to
reform structure of measurement service
Following BBM Canada’s announcement that it will introduce a Portable People Meter (PPM) system for commercial use in Montreal and Quebec
regional markets, the ACA is issuing a “data warning” to its members, cautioning them on the use of the PPM numbers for buys in Quebec.
ACA is taking this rare step because it believes that BBM has not fulfilled its responsibility by not fully testing this new technology
prior to deploying it for use as the trading currency in Quebec. As well, BBM’s decision was taken with very little input from the
advertiser community.
Read ACA’s Member Alert |
| July 16 |
ACA to Demand Safeguards in Proposed BBM/Nielsen Merger
You will have heard by now the announcement by BBM and Nielsen that they propose to merge the electronic data collection portion of their
television audience measurement business in English Canada. Quebec measurement is not included in the deal. The arrangement calls for the
creation of one single set of audience data to be released through BBM only, and for the two organizations to maintain and offer separately
their value-added services.
Read ACA’s Member Alert |
| July 12 |
New ACTRA Deal
The ACA and the ICA announce that, subject to ratification, a deal on a new National Commercial Agreement has been reached with the Alliance
of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA). The agreement covers the terms and conditions of engagement of professional
performers in English-language radio and television commercials produced in Canada. The contract will run until June 30, 2007.
Read ACA’s Member Alert |
| May 10-14 |
Codex Alimentarius
At recent international meetings in Montreal, the ACA, representing the World Federation of Advertisers, lobbied
successfully to avert an attempt to add advertising to guidelines governing food and beverage labelling.
Read ACAs Member Alert |
| April 26 |
New UDA Contract Ratified
The Association of Canadian Advertisers, in concert with the Institute of Communications and Advertising (ICA) and the Association
des agences de publicité du Québec (AAPQ), signed a new three-year contract agreement on April 23 with the Union des artistes (UDA) in Quebec.
Read ACA’s Member Alert |
| March |
Performers' Unions
Pre-planning is underway to re-enter negotiations with both ACTRA and UDA, leading to new contracts with performers in
broadcast commercials. |
| February |
PPM Presentations
A series of presentations revealing ACA's POV on BBM's plans to deploy this new technology in Québec have been undertaken.
Organizations such as the CMDC, CMDQ, CBC, CHUM, Corus, CTV, RDS, SRC, TQS, TVA and members of the ACA have all been visited. |
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49th Media
The ACA and its Broadcast Committee support the initiative by 49th Media to sell Canadian advertisers commercial spots on U.S.
cable stations. 49th Media has applied for a CRTC license, and the ACA encourages the CRTC to evaluate the proposal at a public hearing.
(Broadcast Committee)
Read Bob Reaume's article from the ACA Winter Bulletin. |
2003
| November 27 & 28 |
Canada Health Protection Act, Public consultation on proposed changes
ACA will be participating in public consultations to discuss proposed changes to the Canada Health Protection Act (CHPA). Of particular
interest for ACA is the discussion of the area of Direct to Consumer Advertising of prescription drugs. |
| November 19 |
Competition Act, Public consultation on proposed changes
ACA will participate in public consultations to discuss proposed changes to the Competition Act, in order to ensure that advertisers’ views
are represented. ACA believes that the proposed amendments would provide unnecessarily harsh penalties, and it is too soon after the recent
changes to implement further amendments. |
| August 11 |
Competition Act, ACA submission on proposed changes
Having just concluded a major round of changes to the Competition Act in 2000, the Government commenced a consultation on a new set of changes.
These would include increased monetary penalties, payment restitution, the ability to seize assets, or civil cause of action for injured parties
of the offending advertising. ACA made a submission to the Government with respect to these proposals, urging member companies to also voice
their views on this issue.
Read the Member Alert.
Read the submission. |
| July 23 |
Quebec Portable People Meter Plan
The Bureau of Broadcast Measurements plans to deploy a new electronic TV audience measurement system in Quebec, based on passive
audio detection only, have come under close scrutiny by ACA. Investigations into the technology and methodology continue.
(Broadcast Committee)
Read ACAs full POV (Bob Reaume's recent article in the ACA Bulletin). |
| July 17 |
Alliance for Canadian Advertising Tax Credits
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage released the report Our Cultural Sovereignty: The Second Century of
Canadian Broadcasting. The report recommends the Government of Canada consider tax credits for advertisers who produce
Canadian-made TV commercials. This was requested by ACA and its partners. (See August 2001.)
Read Canadian Heritage's November 6 response to
the report. |
| June 17 |
CRTC Hearing (Edmonton), New television licenses
ACA intervened at a public hearing of the CRTC in Edmonton to support CHUM Television’s application for new broadcasting licenses in
Calgary and Edmonton.
(Broadcast Committee) |
| June 11 |
Broadcasting Act, House of Commons Heritage Committee report
Following a joint industry committee submission and presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Heritage
(see April 2002, September 2001), the committee released a report specifically referencing ACA’s comments. Of note are
recommendations for special tax treatment for Canadian TV commercial production and the importance of retaining simultaneous
substitution in the digital future.
(Broadcast Committee) |
| May 7 |
CRTC Presentation (Ottawa), Private session
ACA met in a private session with the CRTC in Ottawa to brief Chairperson Charles Dalfen and all 10 of his fellow commissioners on the key broadcasting issues and concerns of advertisers. The presentation, which was very well-received, gave ACA an invaluable opportunity to take its case directly to the highest levels of the broadcast regulator.
(Broadcast Committee) |
| March 17 |
Competition Bureau, Internet / online advertising
The Competition Bureau released its guidelines for online ads incorporating suggestions put forth by ACA. (See November 2002,
August 2001.)
(New Media Committee)
Read the guidelines. |
2002
| November |
Competition Bureau, Brief regarding Internet/online advertising
A final brief was filed with suggested improvements to proposed guidelines for online advertising. The guidelines included
recommendations about representations to the public, the use and location of disclaimers, items of disclosure, and the
liability of intermediaries. (See August 2001.)
(New Media Committee)
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| October |
Bill C-23, Amendments to the Competition Act
Amendments followed a submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry regarding proposed changes (Bill C-23)
to the Competition Act (which would have affected the advertiser’s ability to conduct contests). The amendments released included
a ban on misleading notices of winnings, and a streamlining of the Competition Tribunal. (See May 2001.)
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UdA, Contract extension
ACA extended the contract for Union des Artistes (UdA), the French language performers’ union, for another year. |
| September |
Quebec Radio Markets
Efforts made to preserve competition in Quebec radio markets paid dividends with the announcement of a deal between Astral and the
Competition Bureau. (See May 2002.)
(Broadcast Committee)
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| August |
Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation
ACA participated with Ontario’s Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation and their consultation on the competitiveness
of business services in Ontario. ACA’s comments related specifically to advertising services. |
| June |
TV Clutter Study
ACA provided a snapshot report of on-air clutter for major Canadian TV markets, in partnership with the Institute of
Communications and Advertising (ICA), the Canadian Media Directors’ Council (CMDC), the Quebec Media Directors’ Council (QMDC),
l’Association des Agences de Publicite du Quebec (AAPQ) and the Vancouver Media Directors’ Council (VMDC). The final report found
excessive levels of commercial clutter on Canadian TV.
(Broadcast Committee)
Read the press release. |
| May |
Competition Bureau, Telemedia’s sale
ACA opposed the sale of Telemedia’s radio assets in Quebec to Astral as it would have led to severely reduced competition. ACA
successfully lobbied both the Competition Bureau and the CRTC.
(Broadcast Committee) |
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ACTRA, New agreement
An agreement was reached between ACA and ACTRA (the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists). |
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Montréal Radio Audit
Released to members only.
(Broadcast Committee) |
| April |
Broadcasting Act, Presentation to the Canadian Heritage Committee
ACA, along with ICA and CMDC, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage with a presentation on
their review of the Broadcasting Act. (See September 2001.)
(Broadcast Committee)
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| March |
Ontario Privacy Legislation
Comments were provided to the Ontario Government in relation to the proposed Privacy of Personal Information Act. ACA advocated a
more correct balance be struck between consumer and commercial interests.
(New Media Committee)
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| February |
‘Staying Tuned’ Conference
Accountability was the overriding theme delivered in a wide-ranging speech by Ron Lund, President and CEO of ACA, and Judy Davey,
Chair of ACA’s Broadcast Committee, at the Bureau of Broadcast Measurement’s ‘Staying Tuned’ Conference, titled “Research in a
Convergent World: What Do Advertisers Want?”
(Broadcast Committee)
Read the speech. (English only) |
| January |
CRTC Complaint, Misuse of U.S. satellite channel cut-ins
A second formal complaint to the CRTC was filed by ACA regarding Canadian cable companies’ misuse of the U.S. satellite channel
cut-ins.
(Broadcast Committee) |
2001
| December |
CRTC Hearing (Hamilton), New television licenses
ACA appeared before the CRTC in support of Alliance Atlantis, Craig Broadcasting and Torstar licenses for stations in Hamilton,
Kitchener, and Toronto. Craig Broadcasting was granted licenses for Toronto and a repeater in Hamilton. (See November 2001.)
(Broadcast Committee)
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| November |
CRTC Intervention, New television licenses
ACA filed a written intervention with the CRTC in support of Alliance Atlantis, Craig Broadcasting and Torstar applications for
TV stations in Hamilton, Kitchener, and Toronto.
(Broadcast Committee)
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| October |
UdA, Contract extension
ACA extended the contract for Union des Artistes (UdA), the French language performers’ union, for one year. |
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CAPIC
ACA consulted with the Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators in Communications (CAPIC) regarding copyright
ownership. Current law designates ownership of photography to the commissioning party, unless otherwise negotiated. Photographers
have been disputing this law, leading to the release of ACA’s draft code to ensure photographers are fairly remunerated. Since
the draft code was issued, relations have stabilized. It is awaiting revisions from CAPIC. |
| September |
Broadcasting Act, Submission to the Canadian Heritage Committee
A submission was sent to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on the Broadcasting Act. ACA worked in
conjunction with ICA and CMDC on the review.
(Broadcast Committee)
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| August |
Competition Bureau, Internet/online advertising
The Competition Bureau issued a bulletin reminding advertisers making online “representations” (e.g., Internet advertisements) to
be aware of their responsibilities under the Competition Act, and to give serious consideration to the variables affecting the
“general impression” created by their representations. The Bureau requested input and ACA responded with a brief.
(New Media Committee) |
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Alliance for Canadian Advertising Tax Credits
The alliance, of which ACA is a member, recommended to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage an extension
of tax incentives for commercials produced in Canada.
Read the submission. |
| June |
Competition Bureau (Ottawa), Private session
ACA met privately in Ottawa with the Competition Bureau to outline some concerns of advertisers. |
| May |
Bill C-23: An Act to amend the Competition Act and the Competition Tribunal Act
ACA sent comments to the Minister of Industry about proposed Bill C-23, outlining specific concerns it had for the advertising
industry.
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| April |
CRTC, Global-TV’s license renewal
At Global-TV’s license renewal hearing, Global requested a change to the regulation permitting only 12 minutes of commercials per
broadcast hour. ACA opposed the request as it would have meant an increase in ad clutter. The CRTC quoted from ACA’s submission
in granting the seven-year renewal, with no changes to the 12-minute rule.
(Broadcast Committee)
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| March |
The Advertiser
“The Effects of Media Concentration On Your Brand” is the title of an article that appeared in the prestigious U.S. trade
publication The Advertiser, written by ACA’s Vice President, Media & Research, Bob Reaume. The bottom line: make sure your
brand’s objectives come first.
Read the article. |
2000
| September |
CRTC, BCE’s acquisition of CTV
The ACA intervened at a public hearing of the CRTC concerning a change of ownership of CTV to BCE. ACA supported the acquisition.
BCE’s request was granted.
(Broadcast Committee)
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| July |
Bill C-6, Booklet on privacy legislation
A booklet entitled “Canada’s New Privacy of Information Legislation” was released by ACA to its members, regarding the Personal
Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.
(New Media Committee)
Booklet available to ACA members. |
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Dot ca domain names
A release was issued by ACA alerting members to a change in Internet domain names registration from the University of British
Columbia (UBC) to the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA). Failing to reregister could have meant losing the name.
(New Media Committee)
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| June |
CRTC, TQS license renewal
ACA supported the application for license renewal of TQS, the French-language television network in Quebec. ACA cited TQS’
support of the implementation of electronic audience measurement in Quebec, and in Montreal in particular.
(Broadcast Committee)
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| April |
Bill C-6: Personal Information Protection & Electronic Documents Act
ACA contributed viewpoints to Bill C-6, later adopted as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.
(New Media Committee) |
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