OTTAWA, March 9 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Government of Canada announced
major changes to what was formerly the Canadian Television Fund (CTF). The
changes should modernize the Fund and improve it through better governance,
simplification of process and a focus on innovation.
"CBC/Radio-Canada is encouraged that the Government believes first-run,
prime-time Canadian programming is as important as we think it is," said
Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada. "The new Fund is
designed to make sure that Canadians have access to more of the popular drama,
comedy and children's programming that they want to watch, when, how and where
they want to watch it. More of that can only benefit Canadians and the
Canadian broadcasting system."
CBC/Radio-Canada also applauds the Government's efforts to simplify the
overall funding process and to improve governance and accountability of the
Fund by ensuring that all directors will be independent.
"What is essential now is to make certain that the principles laid out
today are respected as the broadcasting industry moves into implementation,"
added Lacroix. "The challenge is to ensure that the Fund focuses on new
programs shown when most Canadians are watching. If it's done right, the model
will be a success. If it isn't, CBC/Radio-Canada is concerned that the
elimination of our 37 per cent envelope will lead to a reduction in viewing to
Canadian programming in prime time."
The 37 per cent envelope formerly dedicated to CBC/Radio-Canada enabled
the Corporation to address a critical shortage of first-run Canadian
programming in prime time. It allowed the Corporation to commit over $100
million annually to the production of original drama and comedy - which is
approximately 50 percent more than the commitment of the entire private
conventional broadcasting industry combined.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its
largest cultural institutions. With 29 services offered on radio, television,
the Internet, satellite radio, digital audio, as well as through its record
and music distribution service and wireless WAP and SMS messaging services,
CBC/Radio-Canada is available how, where and when Canadians want it.
Through this array of activities, CBC/Radio-Canada brings diverse
regional and cultural perspectives into the daily lives of Canadians in
English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, in nine languages on its
international Radio service, Radio Canada International, and in eight
languages on its Web-based Radio service RCI viva, a service for recent and
aspiring immigrants to Canada.
For further information: Angus McKinnon, CBC/Radio-Canada, (613)
288-6235, Cell.: (613) 296-1057, angus.mckinnon@cbc.ca
