The word "CANCON" is a peculiar one, notable for its unique spelling. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word is pronounced /kænkɒn/, with a stress on the first syllable. This combination of letters has been coined to refer to Canadian content in the music industry, with "CANCON" being shorthand for "Canadian Content". The term has found widespread use across Canada and beyond, due to the country's strong music scene and the regulations in place to promote Canadian artists via radio and TV play.
CANCON refers to Canadian content, specifically in the realms of television and radio broadcasting. The term is derived from the combination of "Can" (short for Canada) and "con" (short for content). CANCON represents regulations and policies implemented by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to support and promote Canadian culture and identity in the media industry.
The CRTC requires Canadian broadcasters to dedicate a specific percentage of their airtime to the broadcasting of Canadian content. This includes television shows, films, music, and other programming produced by Canadian artists, writers, and creators. The goal of CANCON is to nurture and preserve the distinct Canadian cultural and artistic heritage, ensuring that Canadian voices and perspectives are adequately represented in media platforms.
The specific requirements for CANCON vary depending on the broadcasting platform and format. For instance, commercial broadcasters are mandated to include a minimum percentage of Canadian content in their programming schedule, known as the Canadian content rules. The percentage criteria may change over time, and broadcasters must comply with the guidelines set by the CRTC. By promoting CANCON, the CRTC aims to protect Canadian cultural industries from being overpowered by foreign content while fostering a vibrant and diverse media landscape that reflects the rich Canadian identity.