Media Centre > News Releases > Archive > 1998 > February 13, 1998

Broadcasters laud renewal of vital Canadian program fund

OTTAWA, February 13, 1998 -- Private television broadcasters across the country are applauding today's commitment by Heritage Minister Sheila Copps to renew a $100 million annual contribution to the Canada Television and Cable Production Fund for the next three years.

"The Minister clearly recognizes the unqualified success of the CTCPF and its vital role in ensuring that Canadians see their own stories on television," said Michael McCabe, President of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB).

"Her bold, farsighted decision to establish the Fund strengthens the Canadian television and production industries and makes viewers the biggest winners," added McCabe. "Obviously, the government has carefully weighed what private broadcasters, CBC and the production community have been saying - that a strong CTCPF is crucial to the future of high quality Canadian programming and an important producer of high skill jobs all across Canada."

Canadian superstars Paul Gross, Jennifer Dale, Michel Forget, Sonja Smits and Geneviève Rioux are among those who have reminded the government that the future of their popular Canadian shows hinge largely on a strong CTCPF.

With CTCPF's help, the private television industry supports the production of roughly $300 million in prime time Canadian drama, variety and music programming.

CAB represents the vast majority of Canada's local-serving, advertising-supported radio and television stations and networks, and specialty television services.

For more information contact:

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