Annual Cable Television Survey (ACTS)

Detailed information for 2016

Status:

Inactive

Frequency:

Annual

Record number:

2728

This survey collects financial and operating data for statistical measurement and analysis of the broadcast distribution undertakings sector (cable and wireless).

Description

Information collected by the Annual Cable Television Survey serves the following broad objectives: to measure the financial position and performance of broadcast distribution undertakings (cable and wireless) and the economic contribution of this sector to the Canadian economy. The principal outputs of the survey are revenue, expense and operating statistics at the establishment level (individual system). The level of detail collected varies with the size (revenues) of the undertaking. Data from this survey are used by:

a) Statistics Canada to construct industry accounts;
b) the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to monitor the industry's performance and adherence to regulations;
c) industry associations, provincial governments, Canadian Heritage and industry analysts to conduct economic studies and to analyse and develop policy;
d) industry consultants and other interested parties to prepare reports submitted to bodies such as the CRTC and the Copyright Board.

In order to avoid duplication of effort and undue response burden, the survey is conducted by Statistics Canada in cooperation with the CRTC. It is collected under the authority of both the Statistics Act and the Broadcasting Act.

Statistical activity

The broadcasting statistics program is a component of a broader program on science and technology indicators.

The purpose of the broader program is to develop indicators that measure and explain the social and economic impacts of S&T activity based on a framework that ties them together in a coherent picture.

The attached document gives a short description of the main components of the broader program as well as a link to survey documentation for the last reference period for which data were released.

Reference period: Broadcasting fiscal year (September 1st to August 31st)

Collection period: The survey is launched in the first half of October of each year.

Subjects

  • Business performance and ownership
  • Financial statements and performance
  • Information and communications technology
  • Telecommunication industries
  • Television and radio industries

Data sources and methodology

Target population

The survey targets all organizations licensed by the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to operate broadcast distribution undertakings. In terms of industrial classification, this survey's target population is covered by the following North American Classification System (NAICS 2007) category: Cable and Other Program Distribution (517112).

Instrument design

The annual survey of the cable industry essentially collects financial information from and for organizations licensed to operate broadcasting distribution undertakings. It was originally designed in collaboration with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Canadian Heritage. This partnership ensured that the needs of the policy maker and the regulator were met and that respondents could supply the requested information without undue response burden. To the extent possible, generally accepted accounting standards and standards generally adhered to by the industry formed the basis of the survey content.

An annual review of the survey content is done with the same partners.

Sampling

This survey is a census with a cross-sectional design.

The annual survey of the cable industry essentially collects financial information from and for organizations licensed to operate broadcasting distribution undertakings.

Data sources

Responding to this survey is mandatory.

Data are collected directly from survey respondents, extracted from administrative files and derived from other Statistics Canada surveys and/or other sources.

Large enterprises are asked for detailed information through an on-line data collection system managed by the CRTC.

The survey is launched in the first half of October of each year.

The respondent has until November 30th to submit the data through the online collection system. A telephone contact is made with non-reporting enterprises in December and January to discuss reporting delinquency and possible special arrangements.

Canada Revenue Agency T2 and PD7

To enhance the data from this survey, Statistics Canada may combine it with information from other surveys or from administrative sources.

View the Questionnaire(s) and reporting guide(s) .

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