CBC/Radio-Canada has initiated legal proceedings to contest an order requiring it to reveal subscriber data for its Gem streaming service. This action follows a directive issued by the information commissioner mandating the public broadcaster to disclose the number of paying subscribers after an access-to-information request.
CBC’s Position on Subscriber Data Disclosure
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, the president of CBC/Radio-Canada, stated that the subscriber figures are sensitive commercial details. According to Bouchard, protecting this information is vital for negotiating partnerships, particularly in bundling Gem with other streaming platforms.
Bouchard emphasized, “We are charged with generating part of our budget through commercial relationships.” The broadcaster believes this confidentiality is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge in a crowded media landscape.
Information Commissioner’s Ruling
The information commissioner, Caroline Maynard, noted that although CBC highlighted potential harms to its competitive position, it failed to demonstrate a substantial likelihood of those harms. The commissioner’s ruling clashed with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) view on what qualifies as “sensitive commercial information.”
Bouchard expressed the necessity for judicial clarity on this matter. CBC has resisted disclosing any data regarding both paid and unpaid Gem subscribers, arguing that the Gem service operates in a highly competitive market where it faces numerous domestic and foreign rivals.
Details About Gem Streaming Service
- Launched: 2018
- Cost of Paid Version: $5.99/month
- Features: Ad-free streaming and access to CBC News Network
- Free user base: Predominantly serves free users
During a recent session at the House of Commons, Bouchard was questioned about the subscriber count by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh. Though Waugh pressed her for details, Bouchard maintained that CBC operates under specific confidentiality guidelines set by the CRTC.
She did reveal, however, that more than five million accounts have been created on Gem, a fact she used to illustrate the service’s outreach despite the controversy over disclosed numbers. The public broadcaster is seeking a Federal Court determination to reverse the information commissioner’s order, insisting that the details around Gem’s financials should remain confidential.
