http://www.vancouversun.com/busines...2401/story.html

Fed up with loud TV commercials? CRTC wants to hear about it
By Carmen Chai, Postmedia News

Canada's broadcasting regulator says it's committed to dealing with the concerns Canadians have with loud TV commercials, just a week after a Conservative MP introduced a private member's bill that would force advertisers to turn down the volume.

Konrad von Finckenstein, chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission launched a public consultation Thursday to ask Canadians about any changes that should be made.

"Loud ads on television can disrupt an otherwise enjoyable program and are a source of significance annoyance for Canadians. Viewers should not have to adjust the volume at every commercial break, and we will work with the broadcasting industry to find an acceptable solution," he said in a statement.

Canadians who wish to comment have until April 18 to fill out an online form on the CRTC website.

Last week, Nina Grewal, MP for Fleetwood-Port Kells, introduced bill C-621, which would require broadcasters to make sure the volume of commercials is consistent with the programs they accompany.

"It's a common complaint. You're watching a program at a comfortable volume. The program breaks for a commercial and, suddenly, you're jolted out of your seat by the loudness," Grewal said.

"While it may seem a small irritant, it's a daily stress that could and should be relieved from the shoulders of Canadians."

MPs will discuss the bill in March.

While there are no laws in Canada to ensure programming and commercials are broadcast at a consistent volume, similar rules exist in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Read more: http://www.canada.com/business/with...l#ixzz1EFQwWoiK