OTTAWA – It’s no increase (as producers, actors and broadcasters were hoping for) but the $200 million committed to the Canadian Television Fund by the federal government over two years is far more than two of CTF’s primary industry contributors are currently paying.
That is to say, zero.
Hot on the heels of Shaw Communications and Quebecor Media’s decisions to suspend monthly payments to the CTF, Heritage Minister Bev Oda said Friday the federal government is renewing its $100 million a year contribution to the fund through 2008-09.
"This announcement signifies this Government’s commitment to producing quality Canadian programming and a strong broadcasting system," said Oda in a statement. "The two-year commitment will allow for longer term planning and provide stability for the sectors.
"The production and distribution of Canadian content is a key component of Canada’s broadcasting system," she added.
The CTF, a public-private partnership, supports the production and broadcast of Canadian programming in the genres of drama, children and youth, documentaries, variety, and performing arts. It is financed by contributions from the Government of Canada and from the Canadian cable and direct-to-home satellite industries, which are required by CRTC regulations to contribute a percentage of their revenues to support Canadian programming.
Shaw and Videotron have a number of complaints about the fund, claiming its overall accountability is in question, that it funds shows no one watches, that too much of the budget is earmarked for programs to air on the CBC, and that it won’t fund projects that go straight to video on demand, for example. The CTF has responded by getting a lawyer and reminding the CRTC of its role to force the BDUs to pay up.
"I want to reassure Canadians that the Government continues to support high-quality Canadian television programming. The Government is aware of concerns expressed by some private sector contributors to the CTF and their stated desire to withhold their contributions to the Fund. The CRTC is charged with ensuring that licensees respect their regulatory obligations," continued Oda.
For my part, I am holding a meeting with representatives from the other principal funders (BellExpress Vu, Shaw/Star Choice, Rogers, Videotron, Cogeco) of the CTF to discuss their concerns."
Bell told Cartt.ca last week it will stand by its obligations to the Fund, as has Cogeco in some printed reports. Rogers has yet to make an official statement.
Across the House of Commons, the NDP and Liberals have been agitating, too. NDP Heritage Critic Charlie Angus says the cable giants are blackmailing the CTF and are getting away with it because Oda "refuses to do her job," says the NDP release.
“I’m sick and tired of how companies like Videotron and Shaw are pushing their weight around because Bev Oda is either unwilling or unable to put in a day’s work," said Angus in a statement. "These companies are pampered and protected from competition by the rules of the CRTC. They need to be held accountable for their side of the bargain.
“Bev Oda is sending clear signals to her pals in industry that the CRTC is up for grabs and that Canada’s paltry domestic content regulations are up for grabs. But if she can sit back and let the giant cable companies dictate heritage policy in this country Bev Oda’s going to have the fight of her life," he added.
Oda has worked for the likes of TVOntario and CTV in her former professional life.
Adds Liberal Heritage critic Tina Keeper (whose salary was once partially paid by the CTF when she was one of the stars of North of 60): “The withdrawal of these two telecommunications giants represents a loss of $63 million for the Canadian Television Fund. We must ensure that Canadian content remains rich and diversified. The actions of Shaw Cable Systems (sic) and Vidéotron fly in the face of this principle. Minister Oda must take action.
“Once again the Harper minority government has demonstrated that preserving Canadian culture is not a priority," added Keeper.
"Now that thousands of jobs are in jeopardy following Shaw Cable Systems’ and Vidéotron’s decision, will the minister finally take her responsibility seriously?” said Ms Keeper.
Both the CBC and CFTPA, however, issued releases praising Oda’s renewal of the government portion of the fund.
Watch for more from Cartt.ca this week once the meeting between Oda and the industry funders is complete.
– Greg O’Brien
