CBC/RADIO-CANADA DOES NOT receive any money from the Canadian Television Fund (see "Shaw suspends TV fund payments"). The fund goes to independent producers to help them make Canadian programs that will be broadcast on Canadian television.
The Canadian Television Fund (CTF) was created to provide financial support to independent producers who make distinctly Canadian television programs. This Fund ensures Canadians can watch programs, particularly drama programs, which reflect Canada. Contrary to Mr. Shaw’s claim that it supports programs that few watch, the CTF has made possible many highly successful Canadian programs including Shania: A Life in Eight Albums, H2O, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Trailer Park Boys and Little Mosque on the Prairie. Without the CTF, independent Canadian producers could not afford to make these programs because the Canadian market is too small to finance the high cost of these shows.
Private broadcasters carry some Canadian programs but fill the majority of their prime time schedules with more profitable American programs. CBC/Radio-Canada is the only Canadian broadcaster with the "shelf space" in its schedule to show the most Canadian programs in prime time, when the greatest number of Canadians are watching television. It is in recognition of this fact that the Government of Canada has set aside 37 per cent of the Fund – not for CBC/Radio-Canada – but for independent producers who make programs which are in turn broadcast on CBC or Radio-Canada.
The competitive protection provided to the cable industry by the Canadian television system has been central to its financial success. Mr. Shaw may not like having to support the television system that has ensured his company’s well being, but attacking CBC/Radio-Canada in order to try and avoid funding independent Canadian producers is simply unwarranted.
Bill Chambers
Vice-President, Communications
CBC/Radio-Canada
Ottawa
