CRTC POSTS NEW TELEVISION POLICY
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced its new policy on Canadian television Friday. The stated aims of the commission's new policy are to strengthen the programming industry, to increase the visibility of Canadian talent here and globally, and to promote the growth of Canadian broadcasters in the global market. To begin with, broadcasters will now fall into one of two categories: Those that broadcast in several provinces, reaching over 70% of the audience in one of the two official languages (such as CTV, Global, WIC and TVA); and those with smaller broadcast areas reaching less than 70% of the audience (such as CHUM, Craig, TQS and other independent stations).
Canadian content requirements remain unchanged: 60% Cancon during a broadcast day and 50% Cancon during prime time. However, as of September 2000, prime time has been expanded to run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, adding an extra hour of official prime time to each weekday. Also, the definition of "priority" programming has been broadened to include documentaries longer than 30 minutes, non-news regional programs and programs which promote Canadian talent to the world. In addition, broadcasters will receive a new incentive to air Canadian dramas during prime time: a 150% credit for shows that meet the full Cancon criteria and a 125% credit for shows that meet 60% of the Cancon criteria.
Some other changes: the CRTC will now examine the license renewals of all TV stations owned by the same company at once, to allow broadcasters to submit strategic plans which cover multiple stations; the CRTC will no longer regulate the broadcasting of local newscasts; and English-language broadcasters will no longer be required to spend a minimum amount of money on programming. According to CRTC chairperson Françoise Bertrand: "We are convinced that the policy announced today opens the door to a promising future for the Canadian television industry. It will allow the industry to continue to innovate, stand out and achieve more success in an increasingly competitive world, for the greater enjoyment of Canadian viewers."