The Trudeau government is asking Canada’s broadcast regulator to review recent licence renewals for several TV providers.

The order comes after an outcry over the potential impact of lowering Canadian content on screen.

The CRTC renewed licenses for multiple broadcasters in Mid-May and it set the amount they have to spend on programs of national interest – to five per cent of their total revenue – which is a healthy drop for some broadcasters.

Groups representing Canada’s independent producers, professional performers and other media workers submitted a petition to the Canadian Heritage minister – to set aside the renewals or refer them back to the CRTC – saying lowered investment could hurt the industry.

The CRTC will now have to reconsider it’s decision – and the government wants the broadcast regulator to make sure that Canada achieves the right balance of investment in content – and the ability to compete.

A CRTC spokeswoman says the regulator will indeed reconsider its decision – and it’s next steps will be announced at a later date.