Underfunding threatens Canada's new media industry.
Global Television has hired a veteran producer to improve ratings for The Mike Bullard Show.
John Doyle notes that the number of reports on the state of Canadian television in 2003 exceeded the number of significant new Canadian productions.
Commercial radio operators fear the CRTC may licence subscription-based, advertising-free satellite radio with low Canadian content requirements to avoid losing Canadian listeners to black market services.
A commentary on several 2003 developments relating to Canadian media.
Statistics Canada's annual survey of the domestic film and video business found Canadian production had a profit margin of 1.2% in 2001, down from 3.2% in 2000 and 4.7% in 1999.
Hockey Night in Canada's interactive television is interesting, but not for everyone.
Canadians should be outraged that despite years of subsidies and regulatory protection, the means of producing Canadian television drama have all but collapsed.
Winnipeg Free Press Editor argues regulatory problems are at the root of Canada's drama production woes, and suggests the federal government should encourage the private sector to invest through additional tax relief.
Cable rates have increased 5.5% since the late 1990s despite deregulation, according to CRTC report.
Summary of the CRTC's annual report that highlights the status of television, radio, and broadcasting distribution in Canada.
New interactive television application will allow many subscribers to choose which pictures and video feeds to watch during CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
Writers Guild says the closing of Salter Street Films is another example of the need for federal regulators to protect Canadian television drama,
Canadian actors express concern with findings in new CRTC report that nearly 90% of Canada's TV viewing consists of foreign programming, mainly from the U.S.
CRTC report shows that Canadians are tuning in to Canadian more often than U.S. channels, but watching more U.S. than Canadian programming.
The CRTC's latest report shows viewing of French-language Canadian programming increased in 2002, while viewing of English-language programs continued to be low.
CRTC releases its fourth annual Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report, which provides information on the status of television, radio, and broadcasting distribution in Canada.
CBC reportedly has 15 new reality television program ideas in development.
Despite making high quality film and television, Salter Street failed to generate sufficient profit to satisfy Alliance investors.
Alliance Atlantis is closing its Salter Street Films division, known for producing CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
The CRTC received a strong response from industry and the public to its call for comments on how to fix English-Canadian television drama.
Stephen Waddell, executive director of ACTRA, says federal support for domestic film and TV production must be reformed to prevent the funding system from collapse.
Revenues hit a record high for Canadian film distributors and video wholesalers in fiscal 2001/02, but sales of Canadian films and videos abroad fell for the first time in a decade.
American and other foreign films dominated Canadian TV and theatres, capturing 91 per cent of domestic sales in 2001-2002, while the number of homegrown film and video exports to foreign countries fell, the first decline since 1991.
Alliance Atlantis blames "permanent downturn" in global demand for downsizing of its Canadian film and television business.
Alliance Atlantis is further downsizing the television and film production side of the company.
Denis Harvey, a CBC executive who pushed for high levels of Canadian content and Canadian drama on the public broadcaster, passed away at 74.
Former owner of Internet broadcaster ICraveTV acquires money-losing digital specialty channel PrideVision.
Many programming decisions remain unsettled as CBC rethinks its documentary programming in light of competition from specialty channels.
CBC president Robert Rabinovitch says Canada's public broadcaster is in worse financial shape now than during the Liberal funding cuts of the 1990s.
India and Canada have signed a letter of intent to create a co-production arrangement for film and television.
The inaugural concert and induction ceremony for the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is a tribute to the songs themselves, the songwriters as artists and the impact they have had on Canadian and international audiences.
Director of the Canada Council for the Arts reflects on its past successes and changes that still need to be made.
Transcript of an interview conducted by The Hill Times with former Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps.
Member of Parliament Wendy Lill says the government's response to the Heritage Committee's report on the Canadian broadcasting system, Our Cultural Sovereignty, has been "underwhelming" and "patronizing" to Committee members and Canadians.
Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage summarizes key positions underlying the Committee's 2003 report on the Canadian broadcasting system, Our Cultural Sovereignty.
Governor General Adrienne Clarkson comments on the importance of the arts to Canadian life.
Thorsell suggests the longevity of CBC Radio's As It Happens is due to its understanding that good journalism requires listening, focusing on positive news stories in addition to negative ones, and covering matters of public interest as well as matters that interest the public.
David Asper says programming such as the Mike Bullard Show, which is facing lower than expected ratings in Canada, should be exportable to other markets.
FRIENDS' response to CRTC call for comments calls for a review of the business model for Canadian drama, measures to address the comparative disadvantage of Canadian series in the marketplace, and a focus on quality.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters annual conference was a hotbed for discussions pertaining to many issues now facing Canadian media.
The government's lukewarm official response to the Lincoln report has left many in the industry fearful the two-year, 872-page study will end up a victim of bad political timing.
David Asper says Global's hiring of Mike Bullard is an attempt to develop and build stars and content as opposed to "renting" it.
Statscan reports that Canadian content on pay and specialty channels has increased in all genres except Canadian music and dance.
Canadian producers find US broadcasters are warming to US programming produced in Canada.
Between 1998 and 2002, the proportion of Canadian content on pay and specialty channels grew, while the proportion on conventional television declined.
Changes to CTF are something FRIENDS has been recommending for years.
FRIENDS applauds the creation of incentives for broadcasters to build audience as a condition of continued CTF funding.
FRIENDS praises CTF changes that focus on the ultimate ratings success of funded productions.
CTF overhaul will begin in the 2004-2005 fiscal year and focus on drama programming.
The Canadian Television Fund has decided to make popularity its priority in funding decisions, forcing broadcasters to focus on audience-building.
Canadian independent producers say they welcome the changes to Canadian Television Fund guidelines as a tonic for the TV production sector.
An administrative overhaul of the Canadian Television Fund should make it easier for independent producers to access funds, but the larger issue of the need for increased funding remains.
Globe columnist says commercial Canadian television lacks creativity and is merely a delivery system, purchasing American shows and delivering them to local viewers.
The CTF has been re-oriented to simplify its administrative processes and to make audience success a determining factor in its funding decisions.
Technical document outlining the Canadian Television Fund's goal to improve the efficiency of Canada’s primary television funding mechanism.
FRIENDS says Canadian Television Fund changes provide an incentive for broadcasters to build audiences.
The thesis of Matthew Fraser's new book, Weapons of Mass Distraction, is that if we're going to be culturally dominated, it's better the devil we know.
Proposed tax breaks and tax credits for domestic producers are expected to help offset the $25 million cut to the Canadian Television Fund in the last federal budget.
Paul Martin says the Canadian government has a role to play in the content of media and ensuring that Canadian stories are told by Canadian voices.
Columnist believes plan to replace the U.S. ads with Canadian ads on direct-feed U.S. cable channels deserves another hearing at the CRTC.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters and the Canadian Newspaper Association have jointly released a Decima poll on Canadians' attitudes towards their communications media, showing that Canadians believe that government has a role to play in preserving Canadian content in the media.
Broadcasters assert that cable industry plans to allow HBO, ESPN and other banned American channels into Canada could seriously damage their Canadian counterparts, such as TSN and The Movie Network.
FRIENDS observes that firm hired to improve CBC's public image appears to be doing its job.
CRTC denies the cable industry's request to air direct feeds of U.S. channels such as HBO and ESPN.
FRIENDS expects that Sheila Copps' response to the House of Commons Heritage Committee report will have limited impact given the pending change of government.
CBC says government response to Heritage Committee report reaffirms CBC's place in the Canadian broadcasting and cultural landscape.
Response of the Government of Canada to the report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, "Our Cultural Sovereignty".
FRIENDS awaits Heritage Canada's response to the 97 recommendations contained in the two-year, all-party House of Commons Heritage Committee report on the Canadian broadcasting system.
Zerbisias praises plan that would replace U.S. commercials with Canadian ads on top American specialty channels.
Eric Reguly says broadcaster opposition means the odds are against 49th Media's plan to substitute American ads with Canadian ads on five U.S. specialty channels.
Columnist says the CBC would get more sympathy and support if its words matched its deeds.
CanWest plans to sell subscriptions to its online content to "stop the cannibalization" by non-subscribers.
Craig Media wins regulatory battle against CHUM for more programming flexibility on MTV2, but CRTC decision still imposes restrictions.
The CBC, Canada's current Olympic network, appears to be the only network keen on bidding for the 2010 Games.
Craig Media wins regulatory battle against CHUM for more programming flexibility on MTV2, but CRTC decision still imposes restrictions.
John Doyle finds that a Canadian star links industry discussions, questions in Parliament about state of Canadian drama.
The CRTC has granted a request by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters to extend the deadline for submitting comments in its proceeding on Canadian drama until November 28.
2002-2003 Annual Report for Telefilm Canada.
Talking points by CBC Chair Carole Taylor to the Canadian Club, Ottawa.
Zerbisias notes a sharp decline in the quantity and quality of local television news outside the largest Canadian cities.
Izzy Asper was wrong about the CBC, and should have had to give more support to Canadian content in exchange for the right to use public airwaves.
CanWest columnist says Gemini Awards are out of touch with Canadian audiences.
The 2003 Gemini Awards faced stiff competition from US programming for viewers in its timeslot.
The tedium of the Gemini Awards turns off viewers, hindering the opportunity to draw viewers' attention to promising Canadian programs.
VisionTV and its sister station One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel are lending their support to the “Tell Canadian Stories” campaign launched in September by Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.
Minister of Heritage celebrates US withdrawal of objections to UNESCO convention designd to avert international disputes over issues involving cultural protection.
Critics are turned off by Toronto 1's heavy reliance on U.S. programming; advertisers are encouraged by ratings numbers.
Group of Canadian actors forms co-op in hopes of addressing problems with funding of Canadian film production.
Despite doubts during its launch, CTV's Sportsnet has enjoyed more growth in the past five years than any other specialty channel.
Despite being one of Canada's most successful and honoured men, Izzy Asper never got rid of the chip on his shoulder.
Izzy Asper would have resisted requirements that private broadcasters produce and air more Canadian drama.
New York Times notes Global's success depended partly on attracting Canadian advertisers to popular American shows such as The Love Boat, Dynasty and Hill Street Blues.
Critics who accused CanWest of relying too heavily on U.S. programs missed the "larger picture".
Conrad Black describes differences between Izzy Asper and his sons.
CBC remains committed to This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Air Farce despite declining ratings.
Actors eye Paul Martin government as they return to Parliament Hill to lobby for more financial and regulatory support for Canadian television.
Daryl Duke received a lifetime achievement award last weekend from the Directors Guild of Canada. He is a longstanding member of the Steering Committee of Friends of Canadian Broadcasting.
Izzy Asper will be remembered for achievements, controversy.
John Doyle comments on the lack of substantive content about Toronto on the recently launched Toronto 1 channel.
ACTRA members will return to Parliament Hill October 7 to appeal for more federal money for Canadian TV drama.
Russell Smith says Toronto 1 is a typical example of a media product that claims to be local despite the fact its programming is predominantly American.
CRTC hearings a timely occasion for Canadians to voice their concerns about crisis state of Canadian drama.
CPAC's Ken Rockburn interviews Ian Morrison on the origins and objectives of the Tell Canadian Stories campaign.
CRTC calls for comments on ways to improve quantity of Canadian TV drama on Canadian television.
FRIENDS cites 1999 CRTC television policy decision as key reason for decline in Canadian drama.
Regulatory changes that lifted restrictions on owning multiple stations in a single market have been lucrative for private radio broadcasters.
Discussion points on the importance of citizen engagement in public policy. Mary Pat MacKinnon is a member of the Steering Committee of the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting
CRTC calls for comments on ways to improve quantity of Canadian TV drama on Canadian television. FRIENDS plans to make submissions.
While news is coming under criticism, Radio-Canada's other programming is the real probloem.
Estimates show Ottawa will cut $10 million in funding promised to CBC in last federal budget.
Canada's media, including CBC, lack a substantial international presence.
TV Niagara CEO Wendell Wilks proposes a merger of Canadian broadcasting organziations into a single entity charged with producing and broadcasting compelling, watchable and successful Canadian drama.
According to StatsCan, Canadians are global leaders in the adoption of broadband internet technologies.
Consolidation of CBC and TV radio employers in Ottawa into a new broadcast centre leaves journalists concerned that their coverage and diversity will diminish.
Radio-Canada viewers have mixed reactions to new television news host.
FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting's television campaign urges more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
In November, CanWest Global Communications Corp. will begin charging for online access to the Ottawa Citizen. The rest of the chain is expected to follow by next year.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting begins national television campaign urging more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting begins national television campaign urging more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting begins national television campaign urging more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
With 2.7 million viewers, Canadian Idol becomes biggest homegrown TV hit in more than 30 years, but it may not make money for CTV.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting begins national television campaign urging more Canadian drama on prime-time TV.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting launches "Let's Tell Our Own Stories" campaign.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting launches advertising campaign to underscore the need to tell Canadian stories on television.
Friends television campaign intends to raise the public's "share of mind" on the issue of Canadian programming on television.
More National Hockey League games will be available on Canadian Television this season, but free viewing will be limited to one national outlet — CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
Friends of Canadian Broadcasting will launch a new public service announcement television campaign at a news conference on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 in Toronto.
John Doyle finds amusement in the disorganized nature of the Gemini Awards.
A nearly cancelled Canadian drama series, "The Eleventh Hour" has received 14 nominations for the 18th annual Gemini Awards.
A nearly cancelled Canadian drama series, "The Eleventh Hour" has received 14 nominations for the 18th annual Gemini Awards.
Rogers moves CTV NewsNet to channel 62 to make room for US channel bumped by new Toronto station.
The town of Rouleau, Saskatchewan has been transformed into the setting for a new CTV series.
US actor Ed Asner concerned for Canada's national identity in panel discussion on culture.
US actor Ed Asner concerned for Canada's national identity in panel discussion on culture.
Tony Atherton worries that if Global TV syndicates The Mike Bullard Show to the U.S., Britain and Australia, it may lose sight of its original purpose to spotlight and nurture Canadian stars.
John Doyle says Mike Bullard's announcement that he is moving to move to Global "is really about battling execs who get their kicks from feuds [rather than] putting great shows on the air."
Quebec films are beating out Hollywood blockbusters at the province's box office.
Canadian producers are following the worldwide trend of copying the formats of popular foreign shows.
FRIENDS urges Heritage Minister Sheila Copps to make sure a consultation process on the Canadian Television Fund open to the public, not just industry players.
Canadian actor Paul Gross says urgent steps are needed to promote Canadian drama.
The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network has come into its own, boosting its ratings and its reputation.
Research analyst Barry Kiefl argues that Canada will lag behind other nations if it fails to nurture and develop a strong domestic TV industry.
ACTRA's 'campaign for Canadian programming' signalled a move beyond the organization's historical role as bargaining agent for performers' rights.
The CCTA Cable Summit, which was rescheduled for September 2003 in Toronto, has been cancelled.
Heritage Minister Sheila Copps intends to fund more Canadian periodicals with less money.
Canadian musician, Randy Bachman, says there would be no Canadian music industry if not for Canadian content laws.
David Taras explains that the future of Canadian television may depend on whether the federal government decides to implement the Heritage Committee's recommendations for a major overhaul of the system.
The Quebec television is industry booming while English Canada's is wilting because English productions have to compete with American ones with their higher budgets and bigger stars.
Michael Higgins writes that the passing of many of Canada's old media guard leaves him worried about the future of Canadian broadcasting.
Bill Roberts writes that Canada needs a clearer vision for its broadcast industry if programming content is to improve.
The Senate Transport and Communications Committee's study of Canadian media is one of the most ambitious of its kind. FRIENDS sees a "potential virtuous link" between the Senate study and the Heritage Committee's recent report on the Canadian broadcasting system.
Documentary producer Mark Starowicz writes that Canadians will never stop redefining their country.
The annual Canadian Viewer Aptitude Test (VAT) on Canadian broadcasting trivia.
A survey of mediocrity in Canadian content.
Clifford Lincoln, chair of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, says the plethora of studies released this year on the state of Canadian broadcasting demand the government's attention.
The ongoing loss of good journalists and an ill-conceived bulletin board on journalistic bias at the CBC are not harbingers of a strong future for the National Post.
Former owner of the National Post, Conrad Black, says he is concerned about the departure of high-profile staff from the paper.
Finance Minister John Manley has promised to restore half of the $25 million cut from the Canadian Television Fund in the February 2003 federal budget.
Ken Finkleman's show the Newsroom is still as vital as when it began.
The problem with Canadian drama isn't quality but the lack of U.S.-style hype to build an audience for it.
Twenty-six Canadian television shows and movies have been saved due to a partial restoration of funding cut from the Canadian Television Fund.
A report on the Heritage Committee's 872-page study of the Canadian broadcasting system, including reactions from broadcasters and from Trina McQueen, author of a recent study on Canadian drama.
Canadian cable companies apply to import top U.S. channels to boost digital revenues and combat satellite TV piracy. FRIENDS notes access to U.S. channels is already strong, but does not oppose the application.
A report commissioned by the Heritage Department that proposes even tighter rules for TV and film production in Canada. FRIENDS praises the principles underlying the report.
Canada's major cable companies are applying for direct access to import and carry 17 U.S. channels. FRIENDS says access to U.S. TV is already strong.
In a report commissioned by the heritage department, François Macerola says Canadian-content rules in film and television need a dramatic overhaul and should be centralized under one federal organization. FRIENDS notes Canadian content is a complex subject that defies simple solutions.
Report commissioned by the Heritage Department states that Canadian content rules in film and TV need a dramatic overhaul and should be centralized under one federal organization.
Report commissioned by the Department of Canadian Heritage recommends that the federal government create a Canadian Content Commission to rule on whether TV and film projects qualify for funding.
The Macerola report recommends that the federal government's formula for defining Canadian content in film and television be overhauled. FRIENDS applauds the report's principles and tone.
In a report commissioned by the heritage department, François Macerola says Canadian-content rules in film and television need a dramatic overhaul and should be centralized under one federal organization. FRIENDS notes Canadian content is a complex subject that defies simple solutions.
Charles Gordon chronicles recent setbacks in Canada's news media.
Maçerola report states that Canadian content rules in film and television need a dramatic overhaul and should be centralized under one federal organization.
Peter Desbarats writes that Canada's current broadcasting policies not only reflect an outdated philosophy of cultural protection, they symbolize its failure.
Trina McQueen defended her position that broadcasters need incentives, rather than regulatory quotas, to get more Canadian drama to be produced and watched.
Panel discussion at the Banff Television Festival provides little consensus about what must be done to save the future of Canadian drama.
The House of Commons heritage committee has recommended that the federal government provide major new funding for Canadian television and take a clear position on whether it supports cross-media ownership.
Transcript of the news conference by the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage announcing its report on the state of Canadian broadcasting.
House of Commons Heritage committee report recommends that Canadian content and Canadian ownership be preserved in radio and television broadcasting.
New president of CHUM Ltd. tells crowd at the Banff Television Festival that it's time to stop complaining about the state of Canadian-made drama, and start making changes to fix it.
House of Commons Heritage committee report to recommend that Canadian content and Canadian ownership be preserved in radio and television broadcasting.
The convergence of decision makers at Banff Television Festival can't help but give focus to the critical situation of Canadian television.
Three new Canadian series and four U.S. imports will be added to the fall prime-time lineup of CTV which boasts that 2003-2004 will be its "most ambitious homegrown bundle ever."
John Doyle says the Canadianness of CTV's fall schedule was "off-kilter, kind of sideways and a matter of piggybacking on the glamorous American stuff."
CTV announced its new television season, introducing three new Canadian series and five new American shows for 2003-04.
The CBC has unveiled a fall 2003-04 TV season that relies mostly on returning Canadian series and is virtually devoid of American programming.
McQueen report recommends a new $30 million public fund for the production of English-language Canadian drama.
John Doyle surveys the flaws in Trina McQueen's report on English-language Canadian drama.
Friends asks John Manley to advocate steps to redress imbalance between private broadcasters' input of public funds, commitment to Canadian content
Friends asks Sheila Copps to advocate steps to redress imbalance between private broadcasters’ input of public funds, commitment to Canadian content
Friends asks Paul Martin to advocate steps to redress imbalance between private broadcasters’ input of public funds, commitment to Canadian content
A new report calls on the prime minister and the Minister of Canadian Heritage to publicly endorse the importance of Canadian drama.
Friends asks Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham to consider culture and its ambassadors, trade, democratic values in revitalizing Canadian foreign policy
The federal government's decision to cut $25-million from the Canadian Television Fund was deliberate but its rationale remains a mystery.
The two largest actors unions in the US plan plan to redouble their opposition to the filming of US productions in Canada.
The CRTC chair, Charles Dalfen, will have more success encouraging telecom competition than increasing Canadian drama on television.
CHUM will increase evening Cancon in Vancouver and Toronto if the CRTC grants it licences in Alberta.
Canadian content quotas are no longer needed on Canadian radio.
Fears of US cultural imperialism in Europe may be exaggerated, since the number of hours of American programming is declining and US broadcasters are adjusting to local tastes by 'de-Americanizing' content. But there are limits.
Dalton Camp’s insight and principles will be missed in Canadian journalism. In his memory, Friends has launched $5000 prize for essay on link between journalism and healthy democracy.
Friends worries federal budget uncertainty will force cost-cutting at CBC. CBC claims extra federal funding has been confirmed.
Media moguls Robert Lantos and Izzy Asper trade allegations of lying, fraud and disloyalty to Canada in lawsuit stemming from Lantos’ allegedly libelous 1998 speech.
Cable companies asked Commons industry committee to give them same foreign ownership restrictions as telecommunications companies to increase innovation, growth, fair competition. Friends opposes the request.
Cable companies asked Commons industry committee to give them same foreign ownership restrictions as telecommunications companies to increase innovation, growth, fair competition. Friends opposes the request.
Remarks by to Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology opposing relaxation of foreign ownership restrictions for cable companies.
Friends’ recommendations regarding CRTC policy on specialty channels
At McGill Institute for the Study of Canada conference, CBC president Robert Rabinovitch criticized private broadcasters for dumping American shows onto Canadian stations
