GATINEAU – In his first public statement since becoming chairman of the CRTC, Konrad von Finckenstein today told Shaw Communications and Videotron that they should resume their required monthly payments to the Canadian Television Fund.
However, he also told the leaders of the CTF to start addressing the concerns raised by both companies, which have been reported on repeatedly by Cartt.ca over the past month.
The Commission statement reads:
"The CRTC recognizes the important role that the funds administered by the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) play in supporting the production of Canadian programs. This programming in turn assists Canadian broadcasters to fulfill their regulatory requirements and provide Canadian viewers with Canadian choices.
"The Commission shares the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s concern regarding the uncertainties currently affecting the production of Canadian television programming. Shaw and Quebecor have raised a number of serious issues that need to be resolved and that as of yet have not been addressed by the CTF Board of Directors.
"Yesterday, we noted with interest that Quebecor made a commitment to Canadian programming, which deserves further study," it continues.
"Given that the obligation to make contributions is based on regulations issued by the CRTC, the Commission has a role to play in assisting in the resolution of this issue. The CRTC is prepared to work with the CTF Board of Directors, Quebecor and Shaw to resolve the matters in contention.
"By the same token, all stakeholders must play by the rules and operate within the context of the regulatory system. The Commission is confident that Shaw and Quebecor will heed the Minister’s call and resume monthly payments. If necessary, the Commission will move expeditiously to amend the regulations to explicitly specify the traditional monthly payments.
"The Commission is also prepared to consider amending the regulations to take into account any resolution arrived at between the parties," it says.
"The CRTC is confident that all stakeholders will rise to the occasion, reduce the uncertainty surrounding this important sector and work collaboratively towards the achievement of the cultural objectives of the Broadcasting Act.
"The CRTC will not make any further comments at this time."
