Recently, the Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) introduced regulations turning down television commercial volumes. Over 7000 Canadians complained the volume of television commercials was aggravating last year, which is 10 times as many complaints as the previous 3 years combined. Under the new regulations, digital broadcasters are required to transmit commercials and programs at the same volume.

With so many complaints, one has to wonder how advertisers are going to respond? Clearly loud commercials are no longer as effective. In my opinion, this is a welcome move. I find loud commercials unattractive and consequently am less likely to pay attention to them. With so many complaints, one would think the commercials were starting to negatively brand companies. However, the CRTC is warning the public to keep reasonable expectations. Noise is relative and an average volume commercial following a quiet program could still produce a booming effect.

Does this mean advertisers will continue to try broadcasting loud ads? Research shows television ads are still a very effective way to reach target markets and though online advertising is on the rise, television is not in decline. In conclusion, these regulations will probably mitigate but not solve the problem of blaring television commercials.

Articles:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/08/30/crtc-commercial-volume.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/08/30/commercials-volume-loud-crtc-canada_n_1844858.html

http://www.luxurydaily.com/are-television-ads-effective/

Image:

CBC News. “CRTC Logo.” Photo. CBC.ca 07 Apr. 2006. 30 Sept. 2012

<http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/crtc/>.

A hot topic in the news these days is the future of the Arctic. With the Arctic warming and ice melting at increasingly rapid rates, a variety of economic opportunities arise. Canada, Russia, and Asian nations stand to profit and experience economic growth from the opening of new trade passages such as the North East and North West Passages. Oil companies, such as ExxonMobil, are already making deals with Arctic nations to explore vast resources of oil underneath the Arctic sea. Warming will allow for increased agricultural production in Greenland and increased mining operation throughout the region.

All of these developments will no doubt result in significant economic gain, but at what cost? Species such as the polar bear will most likely be driven to extinction and entire ecosystems will be severely damaged. Melting Arctic ice could lead to global sea levels rising up to 0.6 meters and the release of greenhouse gases trapped underneath the ice pack. Both the release of these gases and the development of hydrocarbon deposits will exacerbate climate change.

So is it ethical for businesses to profit if it results in the extinction of entire species, possibly impairs future generations, and ignores climate change? In my opinion, the ethical risks should out weigh any profit motives.

Article:

http://www.economist.com/node/21556798

Image:

World Atlas. “North Pole Arctic Map.” Map. World Atlas.com 12 Sept. 2012

<http://www.worldatlas.com>.