This recognition must be embodied in today's Canadian reality, where communications media play an increasingly important role. In the analog mode, distribution capacity is limited. In this context, the displacement of an American or Canadian English channel to permit the distribution of a French-language channel is often difficult. What is more, the French-language channels are often located toward the higher numbers and are thus less accessible. The digital mode is now transforming this situation.
Digital broadcasting offers the possibility of significantly increasing the supply of programming.
The coming convergence of televison, radio and the computer thanks to digitization opens vast horizons. The consumer will be able to choose the programs he or she prefers at will. We are currently experiencing the transition between the traditional analog mode and the digital mode. It is important today to encourage habits of listening in French and to do so before full competition from broadcasts from all over the world and in every language becomes the daily reality of all Canadians. The strength and clarity of our public policies will, in fact, become increasingly necessary to consolidate Canada's linguistic duality.