CCA Bulletin 25/11 - Canadian programming: the CRTC returns to regulation

The CRTC requires private English television service providers to support the production of domestic programming, including "programs of national interest" such as drama or comedy series, documentaries and awards shows that promote Canadian culture. 

Following the group-based licence renewal process, the CRTC now requires Bell Media, Corus Entertainment and Shaw Media to devote at least 30% of their gross annual revenues to Canadian programming production. The majority of these funds go towards the production of information programming, although 5% must be devoted to programs of national interest, with the exception of Corus, which must spend at least 9% of its annual revenue on this type of programming. (more)

CCA Bulletin 10/11 - An alliterated update: CRTC, C-470 and CETA

Just the Facts

CRTC - On March 7, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved BCE’s acquisition of CTVglobemedia (CTVgm) and laid out the benefits package and conditions linked to its approval. In its submission to the consultation on the sale of CTVgm to BCE, the Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) had 1) asked for a robust public benefits package for Canadians commensurate with the magnitude of the transaction; 2) raised concerns about the vertical integration of the Canadian broadcasting and multi-platform distribution companies which puts the latter in the driver’s seat. 

Bill C-470 (charitable status) is heading for second reading in the Senate today. It may reach Royal Assent before the writ drops… if an election is called at all! 

CETA negotiations are progressing but at a slower pace. The next round is set to take place in Ottawa on April 11. (more)

CCA Bulletin 7/11- The CCA weighs in on private television group-based licence renewals

Just the Facts

The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) recently submitted a brief to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regarding group-based licence renewals for English-language television.

Why does this issue matter?
 

Television programming is the most consumed cultural product. TV is the format through which the government invests the most taxpayers’ dollars, both directly and indirectly. Television is also the most popular cultural form and according to the objectives of the Broadcasting Act, it should reflect Canadian realities and culture. Due to the consolidation of ownership in the audio-visual sector and the relaxed nature of past regulation, it is imperative that the CRTC set a proper course to ensure that Canadian programming is offered to Canadians across the various platforms now available. This is necessary because for the foreseeable future, traditional television programs will remain as the primary source of such programming.(more)

CCA Bulletin 4/11 - From the Desk of Alain Pineau: Members of Parliament return to the Hill

With January already behind us, politicians are back in Ottawa today to resume their legislative business. All this in the midst of increasing speculation that the life of this Parliament may come to an end as soon as the Minister of Finance stands up in the House of Commons to deliver the budget speech. Speculation will likely continue for the next eight to 10 weeks. 

As it happens, the CCA will be very active around the Hill this week with a number of events. Here are some key activities to look out for.

Copyright Bill C-32 hearing

The CCA will appear before the legislative committee on Bill C-32 tomorrow, February 1, at 11 am (EST) .  We will be on the same panel as Bill Freeman of the Creators' Copyright Coalition. Tune in on Parlvu to hear us discuss why we believe that as it now stands, Bill C-32 is not in the best interest of artists and creators and detrimental to Canada’s global competitiveness. The main criticism that will be raised by the CCA is that the bill proposes a “one-size-fits-all” approach which clearly satisfies the big players and international business interests, but which is totally irrelevant to the majority of Canadian musicians, writers, actors, painters and other artists and cultural creators.  In its current form, C-32 sets the stage for the destruction of the collective system of rights management. As an alternative, the bill offers an unworkable remedy of implementing digital locks and relying on litigation, two options artists neither want nor can afford. Worse still, the bill takes away recognized rights and revenue – over $ 126 million a year and counting - in exchange for vague promises of a better future. (more)

CCA Bulletin 3/11 – Nothing like a CRTC submission to start the year off right!

Just the facts

On February 1, the CRTC will begin hearings on the application by Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE) to acquire full control of CTVglobemedia Inc. (CTVgm) and its licensed broadcasting subsidiaries. The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) has filed a short brief in which it presents its position on the two fundamental issues raised by BCE’s application, namely: the necessary public benefits package to be included in this large transaction and the impacts of the ever increasing conglomeration of broadcasting and media platforms in Canada

There is little doubt that the transaction will be approved, as in late October, the Commission approved the takeover of Canwest properties by Shaw Communications. Interestingly enough, the same day it authorized the Shaw/Canwest deal, the Commission announced it would hold a hearing to examine the implications of such a mega-acquisition. Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein was quoted as saying, “The broadcasting industry is being significantly reshaped by a series of major transactions. As a regulator, it is only prudent that we study the implications to ensure we have the right tools to deal with competitive concerns as they arise." (more)