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CAB STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF THE FEATURE-FILM ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S REPORT

Ottawa, January 21, 1999 -- Canada's private broadcasters welcome the government's interest in improving the state of Canadian feature films. Broadcasters were more than willing to be at the table, but were not included and, frankly, the recommendations reflect that. “The exclusion of broadcasters from the advisory committee has unfortunately led to an overly generalized and misleading look at the role broadcasters play in supporting and airing Canadian feature films,” says Michael McCabe, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters.

Broadcasters are key supporters of feature films. Popular films like the Red Violin and David Cronenberg's Existenz couldn't have been made without the support of Canadian broadcasters. Quebec broadcasters are involved in such films as La vie après l'amour and Le nouveau pauvre.

The Oscar-nominated the Sweet Hereafter, will be showcased on the CTV television network.

As the advisory committee recognizes, Canadian feature films account for only two per cent of theatrical screen time. The challenge is to increase theatrical exhibition and bring it up to what Canadian broadcasters already accomplish. “This report does nothing to solve the very real problem that we have little or no control over theatrical distribution in this country,” says McCabe. “Until that's addressed, anything that's done will amount to half measures.

“Without broadcaster input, the report is incomplete and unbalanced,” says McCabe. “It's a beginning, but the government needs to recognize that more work is needed. Canada's private broadcasters are committed to being part of the solution.”

The CAB represents the vast majority of Canada's private radio, television and specialty television services.

For more information, please contact:

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