Media Centre > News Releases > Archive > 1996 > July 17, 1996

Broadcasters urge total commitment to Canadian programming

OTTAWA, July 17, 1996 -- Cablecos, telcos and satellite distributors should funnel a full 5% of their broadcast revenues into top quality Canadian programming, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) said in a brief filed yesterday with the CRTC.

"That's the best way of satisfying consumers' growing appetite for more and better Canadian shows," added CAB President Michael McCabe.

The association estimates $40 million a year would be lost to Canadian programming if 1.5% of cable's contribution is diverted into community channels, as recommended in the Commission's proposed approach to the regulation of broadcasting distributor undertakings. The major process now underway will set rules for all carriers - cable, Pay-TV, wireless, DTH, and others.

"In a competitive marketplace, support for community programming and community access is guaranteed," said McCabe. "A community channel is an important marketing tool for the cable industry. There's no need for the Commission to establish minimum funding requirements."

He said an annual 5% contribution from all industry players would leverage other funding resources that could support over $200 million in additional Canadian production. "That would add hundreds of hours of programming in under represented categories like drama, variety and kids shows."

CAB balked at a Commission decision to eliminate the significant benefits test for carriers, while maintaining it for conventional broadcasters. Under the CRTC's proposal, broadcasters wanting to buy stations will have to continue to demonstrate significant benefits to the community and the broadcasting system, while distributors would be relieved of this billion dollar obligation. CAB insists that if the test is dropped for distribution undertakings it should also be dropped for programming undertakings.

The association predicts carrier contributions will return huge benefits to viewers and the system, especially by expanding quality Canadian viewing choices and reinforcing Canada's competitiveness on the Information Highway.

The influx of new money supports government goals of creating jobs and strengthening culture, while bringing broadcasters' vision for a Canadian Programming public policy several long strides closer to reality. A key element of the CAB's four cornerstone 'Canadian Programming Initiative' is driving more resources into Canadian production. Other elements are access to audiences, recognition of broadcasters' program and signal rights, and fair competition.

Respect for program rights is at the heart of the 'Canadian Programming Initiative'. While simultaneous substitution was appropriate in the 1970's, CAB said exploding competition from upwards of 60 program services now demands enhanced simulcast rules and advanced substitution measures to keep advertising dollars in Canada.

Among changes urged by broadcasters are extending simultaneous substitution to all Class 2 distribution undertakings and permitting simultaneous substitution of strip programming - substituting different episodes of the same TV series within a given cycle.

On the radio front, broadcasters are concerned the proposed distribution rules roll back priority carriage for audio services. CAB insisted local radio must be assured priority on all distributors and said that digital radio, at the option of local stations, should be given priority over analog service.

CAB represents the vast majority of local serving, advertising-supported private television and radio stations.

Contact:

Susan Tolusso
Director, Communications
(613) 233-4035 ext. 331
(stolusso@cab-acr.ca)