Taxpayers fuel Hollywood buying spreeMay 22, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto – Flush with millions of taxpayer dollars, Canada's private broadcasters head to Hollywood this week to buy the rights to a new crop of American programs and continue the trend of spending more on American TV programs than on Canadian. Data released this morning by FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting show that Canada's private broadcasters are spending more than ever before on American programs and that spending on foreign programs has outstripped spending on Canadian programs for the past two years.  "Private broadcasters enjoy a substantial amount of public funding every year that is intended to encourage more Canadian content. It would seem that the unintended consequence is simply to deepen the pockets of private broadcasters for their annual trek to Hollywood, especially when you consider their dismal record of spending on Canadian drama shows,” said Ian Morrison, spokesperson for the broadcast watchdog group FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting.  The data show a huge increase in spending on foreign drama by private broadcasters like CTVglobemedia and CanWest, while spending on Canadian drama shows has dropped. The CRTC data show private broadcasters spent $479 million on foreign drama during 2006, up more than 16% from 2005, while spending on Canadian drama declined more than 15% from $84.1 million in 2005 to $70.9 million in 2006. Canada's broadcasters enjoy public support from the Canadian Television Fund, Telefilm Canada, and several provincial tax supported programs totaling more than $200 million annually. In addition, they benefit from federal policies of preferential tax treatment of Canadian ads and from simulcasting US shows. -30- For information: Jim Thompson 613-447-9592 Related Documents:May 24, 2007 - Hollywood Reporter: Canada on shopping spree for U.S. dramas by Etan VlessingCanadian broadcasters capped off their Los Angeles Screenings by pulling out their wallets in a bid for potential 2007-08 primetime hits. May 24, 2007 - Globe & Mail: Laughter out, serious drama in at CanWest by Grant Robertson & Keith McArthur CanWest Global has purchased thirteen U.S. dramas and one U.S. comedy for its new fall television lineup. May 23, 2007 - Globe & Mail: CTV, Rogers score TV rights to NFL by Grant Robertson and Keith McArthur Sources say CTV and Rogers will pay between $10-million and $15-million per season for the rights to broadcast National Football League games. May 22, 2007 - Hollywood Reporter: Canada b'casters derided for buying U.S. shows by Etan Vlessing FRIENDS says Canadian private broadcasters spent $479 million on foreign dramas in 2006, while only spending $70.9 million on domestic dramas. May 22, 2007 - Hollywood Reporter: International buyers laud American fare by Steve Brennan Columnist says the globalization of U.S. television is more evident at this year's Los Angeles Screenings than ever before. May 21, 2007 - Globe & Mail: Canadian stations increase U.S. shopping, group says by Guy Dixon FRIENDS says Canadian TV broadcasters, which receive more than $200-million in public assistance, are buying more U.S. programming than ever before. |
Apr 30, 2012 — Michaëlle Jean is the People’s Pick for CBC ChairFRIENDS says the CBC belongs to all Canadians and its leadership positions should be open to the best and brightest citizens, not just those on the government’s patronage pay-off list Apr 26, 2012 — FRIENDS launch People’s Pick for CBC ChairFRIENDS says the antiquated practice of political patronage for appointing the CBC Board and President is in need of reform. Mar 29, 2012 — Vindictive cuts break CBC promise and target Canadian cultureThe federal budget singles out the CBC for vindictive cuts that break the Conservative’s election promise to maintain or increase funding to the national public broadcaster. Mar 23, 2012 — Nanos poll shows Canadians want CBC promise keptA new Nanos survey has found a majority of Canadians support or somewhat support the position staked out by Heritage Minister James Moore one day after the election that the Conservative government will maintain or increase CBC funding. Mar 16, 2012 — BCE acquisition of Astral raises concernsFRIENDS says BCE Inc.'s bid to purchase Astral Media, the largest media merger in Canadian history, raises concerns about market domination. Feb 13, 2012 — Poll finds Canadian media too important to allow foreign controlAccording to a new opinion survey, 77% of Canadians see domestic media companies as too important for cultural and security reasons to allow them to be controlled by foreign interests. Feb 1, 2012 — Hamilton residents want their own CBC stationA substantial majority of Hamilton area residents would like CBC to establish a local radio station to cover community affairs, and support the Conservative's pre-election pledge to maintain or increase CBC funding. Jan 31, 2012 — London residents want their own CBC stationA wide majority of London residents would like CBC to establish a local radio station to cover community affairs and most hope their MP would champion the new station or not oppose it. |
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