News Summary

Apple, Netflix, and other streaming giants have successfully persuaded the Federal Court of Appeal to postpone the payment of millions in Canadian content fees mandated by the Online Streaming Act. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) had imposed a tax on foreign streamers earning over $25 million in Canada, requiring them to contribute 5% of their annual Canadian revenue to support local and indigenous content. The appeal filed by Apple, Netflix, Disney, and others has been accepted, delaying the payments until the court reaches a decision. The expedited hearing is scheduled to begin in June, mitigating any inconvenience from potential payment delays. The CRTC emphasized its commitment to modernizing the Canadian broadcasting framework, while the Canadian Association of Broadcasters expressed disappointment over the stalled payouts, highlighting the urgency for funding in the Canadian media system. Meanwhile, the Digital Media Association has launched a campaign against the streaming tax, warning of possible subscription fee increases.