Columnist says thousands of previously unheard Canadian artists have already benefited from national exposure on CBC Radio 2.
CTV's cancellation of Canadian Idol this season will result in a loss of almost 650 TV production jobs across Canada.
Despite being a ratings winner, CTV has announced it will not produce Canadian Idol in 2009 in a move to preserve cash.
Columnist says that Internet regulation, an ISP tax and net neutrality are likely to be the battleground issues at the CRTC new media hearings in February, 2009.
When asked about his favorite television programs, the CRTC vice-chairman in charge of broadcasting said "I'm not that interested in televised fiction or even feature films".
Columnist says the move to put TV online is sparking big questions about how the change could affect Canadian broadcasting.
An Ottawa radio station is becoming one of three Canadian stations moving under the Virgin Radio brand.
Columnist says that reality TV is alive and well in Canada.
Canadian TV executives expect that homegrown TV programs will continue to make substantial inroads in the United States and abroad next year.
Analyst says that with the Obama administration set to "reshape" the U.S. economy "to compete in the digital age," now is the time for Canada to do the same.
The internet search giant and owner of video-sharing site YouTube says exempting new media from regulation will keep the Internet 'awesome'.
Telecommunications company sees no justification for Cancon regulation of the Internet or to impose taxes to finance Canadian content production.
Columnist says there are signs the one-hour TV drama may be poised for a comeback, thanks in part to co-productions with American networks showing a willingness to air programs not set in the United States.
FRIENDS recommends that the CRTC extend the same public policy and Broadcasting Act support for Canadian content to all media, including new media.
CTVglobemedia's recently announced cuts included the demise of The NewMusic, a show credited for launching new Canadian bands and the careers of TV hosts and presenters.
Columnist says that the current quality of Canadian TV has rarely been better and should be celebrated.
Canwest is set to announce that it is commissioning a pilot for a Canadian drama set in a used-car dealership.
Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president of CBC English Services says Current Canada will have the potential to dramatically alter the way Canadians interact with both television and online programming.
CBC is planning on bringing former U.S. vice-president Al Gore's interactive Current TV channel to Canada with one-third of the content generated by tech-savvy Canadians.
Columnist says that instead of implementing CanCon standards for the Internet, the CRTC should provide Canadian new media creators equal access to online audiences by mandating network neutrality.
CTV has announced a pilot TV show based on the work of former Toronto police-union head Craig Bromell is to become an 11-part series.
Video of FRIENDS spokesperson, Ian Morrison, saying that Canadian citizens, as "shareholders" of the broadcasting system, were well served by a CRTC decision on the cable industry.
In a radio report, FRIENDS says that the global financial crisis has shown that appropriate regulation can play an important role in Canada's economy.
FRIENDS says if the CRTC bows to cable industry deregulation it may mean more American stations and less funding of Canadian-made television.
FRIENDS says the CRTC has listened to advice that the cable monopolies and satellite companies are too powerful to be allowed even more discretion to control what's on TV.
FRIENDS says the CRTC has rejected most of the cable industry's demands for greater powers to decide what's on TV in a decision that protects viewers and Canadian programming
The National Film Board and Japanese pubcaster NHK have signed an agreement that will see them work more closely on coproductions.
CBC is set to launch two Canadian-made TV series in January - the dramady "Being Erica" and Calgary-set drama "Wild Roses."
FRIENDS says the motivation behind a CRTC review of new media is to ensure that the audiovisual Internet - the equivalent of radio and television online - has some shelf space for Canadian content.
Columnist says a lower Canadian dollar may bring a boost to domestic film production.
Canwest looks to bolster its homegrown drama slate for its networks with orders for four one-hour pilots, with a fifth pilot to follow within weeks.
Columnist says Canadian networks are commissioning homegrown TV pilots to find prime time success.
Statistics Canada data show that the amount of Canadian culture exported to other countries has declined for the fourth straight year as the demand for foreign goods in Canada continues to remain high.
Canadian film producers are warned to do their homework before striking deals with foreign partners.
Through an agreement with Corus Entertainment and Astral Media, Canadian subscribers to Movie Central or The Movie Network will get access to HBO Canada.
U.S. television executive has interest in Canadian series that stray from the mainstream and appeal to his cable network's viewers.
Beginning Oct. 30, HBO Canada will offer a full slate of HBO series, films, comedies and live events.
A CRTC study calls for a hands-off approach to regulating television on the web, but for companies that provide Internet access to fund the creation of online Canadian television content.
A background report commissioned by the federal broadcast regulator concludes that new media broadcasting should have the same regulatory treatment as television broadcasting.
International broadcasters CanWest and the BBC have unveiled plans for an incubator that will see Canadian and British scriptwriters collaborate on potential TV co-productions.
Britain's ITV3 has picked up Canadian cop series "Flashpoint" for its fall schedule.
Nominations for Canada's TV awards put the spotlight on homegrown drama programs.
Virgin Radio is entering the North American radio market through a deal with Astral Media that will see the Canadian company's top-40 station in Toronto fly the Virgin name.
A Conference Board of Canada report says the cultural sector employs more than a million Canadians and accounts for 7.4% of the country's gross domestic product.
The CRTC approves Baseball TV, the Rural Channel, eScapes and Northern Peaks - described as a Canadian adult programming.
A new Canadian pay-television pornography channel — to be called Northern Peaks — had been approved by federal broadcast regulators.
Columnist says it is unlikely that recent success of Canadian shows in the U.S. will change Canadians' perception about Canadian shows on Canadian TV.
The president and CEO of VisionTV says with more Canadians watching TV programming on their PCs and mobile phones, it's fair to ask whether the CRTC needs to set some policy guidelines.
CRTC report says private conventional broadcasters spent $616 million on Canadian programming in 2007, down from $623.7 million in 2006.
ABC executive says that with rising production costs, U.S. TV networks are eager to find "new ways of doing business", including purchasing content from Canada.
XM Canada chief executive officer says the company is prepared to go it alone if it can't agree on the terms of a merger with Sirius Canada.
Canadian screenwriters and independent producers have extended their collective agreement through the end of 2009.
Executive producer says U.S. cable networks are hungry for original adult dramas.
The unions and guilds that represent Canada's professional performers, directors and screenwriters say they support the independent producers' position that equitable terms of trade agreements are needed to secure fairer deals for program rights.
Networks CBS and CTV have moved the new Canadian-made drama Flashpoint from Friday nights to Thursdays, the most-watched night of the week.
Canwest says the goal of a new training program is to help Canadian TV executives pick potential homegrown primetime hits.
Columnist profiles Flashpoint, the Canadian produced police drama that has been picked up by U.S. network CBS.
More than eight million Americans tuned in for the season premiere of the Canadian-made police drama Flashpoint on CBS.
Columnist says Hollywood producers are looking to Canada for fresh programming they can acquire economically and then sell at reasonable prices.
The president and CEO of VisionTV says there should be Internet oversight urging Canadian content on the Web.
On the set of the most expensive television series ever produced in Canada - CTV's new cop drama Flashpoint.
FRIENDS submission to the CRTC stresses the importance of ensuring the presence of thriving and dynamic Canadian content in the new media audio/visual environment.
A snapshot look at the media industry in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
Canadian film studio operators say Screen Actors Guild talks in the U.S. have put a damper on production in this country.
Fox signs a production deal with Global to produce the pilot for The Animated Adventures of Bob and Doug McKenzie.
Columnist says the sport channel bids from the Canadian Olympic Committee and the CBC are significantly different and should both be approved by the CRTC.
Minister of Canadian Heritage defends controversial tax bill.
Columnist says the Banff World Television Festival concluded with a chorus calling for aid for Canada's indigenous producers in the battle against Hollywood.
Columnist says newcomer to Canada might not be able to tell the difference between the private broadcasters and CBC by looking at the TV schedules.
Matthieu Aikins of Halifax and Fraser MacLean from Langley, BC win the Dalton Camp Award - an essay writing contest on the links between democratic values and the quality of media in Canada.
FRIENDS agrees with CRTC recommendation to keep the status quo on Canadian content rules for the CTF.
Columnist says Global Television's fall schedule is chock full of American shows.
Columnist says the only new Canadian programming on Global-TV's fall schedule is a 15-episode season of a new Bob & Doug McKenzie cartoon.
CBC says Satellite TV distributor Star Choice has breached broadcast rules with a "cavalier attitude" and should be reined in by the CRTC.
FRIENDS says more foreign programming on CBC English TV defies CRTC licence expectations and confirms that CBC has lost touch with its public broadcasting purpose.
CTV has announced a fall lineup that includes two new Canadian-shot dramas and a Canadian-made reality TV show.
Event organizers say no Conservative MPs attended the screening of a controversial Canadian film.
Winners of the 2008 Dalton Camp Award will be announced on June 5th at the Congress of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Columnist says Tim Hortons and Canadian Tire have as much right to the label of "cultural institution" as the CBC.
CBC has unveiled a fall schedule that network executives described as being "uniquely Canadian", despite the nightly additions of the U.S. syndicated game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
Columnist says CBC is banking on a slate of returning sitcoms, dramas, talk shows and satires that have already proved their appeal to viewers.
Columnist says CBC's fall schedule lacks much new Canadian-made programming.
FRIENDS says CBC should be running Canadian programming, not U.S. syndicated shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
Columnist says Canadian broadcasters are expected to be big buyers of foreign programming at international TV event.
Broadcasters say they have new series in production that will hopefully fill the gap left when successful Canadian shows such as Corner Gas, Air Farce and Trailer Park Boys call it quits.
Cable and satellite companies say the CRTC has no place telling them which TV channels to carry, even after Shaw sparked an industry-wide dispute by dropping a number of local stations from its satellite service.
Canada's biggest cable firm tells the CRTC the company is not out to dismantle the television broadcasting system in favour of a "free-for-all driven purely by market forces".
FRIENDS advises the CRTC against rule changes for Canada's cable and satellite companies that could reduce the exhibition of and expenditure on Canadian programming.
Rogers reiterates its opposition to fee-for-carriage for over the air broadcasters in final comments to the CRTC.
Shaw-controlled Star Choice is yanking CBC in Regina, CTV in Calgary, Global in the Maritimes, CityTV in Winnipeg and SunTV in Toronto from its satellite TV service.
Canwest has purchased a slate of NBC Universal shows in advance of the official screening party in Los Angeles that has traditionally led to expensive bidding wars between Canadian broadcasters.
A Bloc private member's bill says foreign television stations should be permitted on Quebec airwaves to the extent they don't jeopardize the predominance of Quebec culture and the French language.
Producers of two new Canadian drama series say that having relationships with both U.S. and domestic license holders is complex but productive.
Columnist says Rogers Communications intends to be a player this year in bidding for new U.S. TV series.
Columnist says that if new TV regulations make conventional broadcasters weaker they will probably be forced to cut Canadian services, especially expensive local news.
Editorial says Canadian want their TV channel lineups to stay the same, as much choice as possible and "good" Canadian programming.
FRIENDS mentioned in an article about the reasons why Toronto actors, such as RH Thomson, have challenges finding work in their home community.
CTV says episodes of Lost, Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy will be available online for 28 days after their original broadcast for the remainder of the season.
Columnist examines the ways network TV and cable industries could be reshaped following recent regulatory hearings.
S-VOX President and CEO Bill Roberts warns against allowing the pursuit of mass-market success to destroy the spirit of Canada's Broadcasting Act.
Ontario's minister of culture says entertainment and cultural industries will suffer if the federal broadcast regulator relaxes the rules requiring pay and specialty television services to fund Canadian content.
Industry watcher says licensing agreements between U.S. broadcasters and their Canadian partners are to blame for restricting Canadians' access to American TV shows online.
Weekend rally planned in Vancouver to protest CBC Radio Orchestra dissolution and Radio 2 programming changes.
CTVglobemedia, CanWest join forces to oppose cable/satellite deregulation proposals, argue for retention of simultaneous substitution, but suggest additional spending on local programming should not be a condition of adopting fee-for-carriage.
Star of Trailer Park Boys condemns dearth of Canadian drama on television, traces to level of regulatory obligations placed on industry.
Two largest conventional broadcasters make joint presentation to CRTC, say fee-for-carriage would right historic wrong, ensure continued spending on local programming.
Editorial backs cable/satellite industry call for deregulation of broadcast distribution.
Star of hit Canadian television production Trailer Park Boys joins panel at CRTC hearings warning against cable/satellite deregulation, calling for more Canadian content on TV.
Media unions call on the CRTC for more support and an increase in spending on homegrown programming.
Broadcasters argue for fee-for-carriage, but resist suggestions that funds be tied to more Canadian programs and local news.
Telus says broadcasters' ownership of specialty channels should foreclose their right to fee-for-carriage for conventional channels.
CTV and Global deliver joint presentation to CRTC advocating fee-for-carriage, citing cable and satellite companies as too-powerful gatekeepers of programming available to Canadians.
Interview series on ichannel's @iSSUE, one episode of which features FRIENDS' Ian Morrison, addresses issues arising from CRTC broadcast distribution hearings.
FRIENDS says cable desire to change simultaneous substitution rules would significantly impact Canadian broadcasters' revenues.
Article says Canada is well behind the US in making television shows legally available online.
Rival private broadcasters combine efforts to oppose regulatory changes proposed by cable and satellite distributors.
Author comments on CBC cancellation of drama series jPod, noting that it both ignores the "tech savvy" television viewing generation and is at odds with unanimous recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.
Rogers argues deregulation of broadcast distribution is not about eliminating Canadian content.
Editorial says Bill C-10 at odds with principle of arts being at arm's length from political interests.
Author describes Sarah Polley as "lefty activist", argues Bill C-10 will not result in censorship of film and television production.
Quebecor tells CRTC to loosen regulation of broadcast distributors, says it would not pass on fee-for-carriage charges to cable subscribers.
Quebecor head says broadcast distribution rules apply to a world that no longer exists, must be relaxed.
Shaw-supported production fund calls on CRTC to protect Canadian children's programming, but says not at odds with Shaw demands that CRTC open up the market to large American channels.
Executive Director of Waterloo Regional Arts Council worried about the state of Canadian classical music following changes announced to CBC Radio Two.
Columnist contends public funding of the arts in Canada should be eliminated.
CTV to brings its news anchors from across Canada together in Ottawa for a celebration of local news.
Author deconstructs CBC rationale for eliminating Radio Orchestra.
CBC management comments on rationale for rapid drama cancellations and reaction to letters from fans.
Shaw calls for reduced CRTC regulation of broadcast distribution on the same day the Canadian Association of Broadcasters credits regulatory intervention with creating the best broadcasting system in the world.
New TV distribution player calls on CRTC to eliminate requirement to carry "basic" channels.
FRIENDS says government report shows tax credits are essential to Canadian production, calls public investment in the arts one of the cheapest and best investments Canada can make.
Article comments on management decisions to revamp Radio Two programming and eliminate CBC Radio Orchestra, and public opposition to the changes.
ACTRA responds to Conservative MP's negative characterization of actor/filmmaker Sarah Polley following her presentation before Senate Banking Committee concerning Bill C-10.
CEO of Shaw Communications says distributors need less regulation to keep viewers from migrating to the Internet or illegal satellite services.
Satellite distributor defends free access to over-the-air signals for distribution, calls fee-for-carriage proposals "looking for a handout".
Columnist challenges CBC management talking points rationalizing decision to reduce classical music on Radio 2.
Bell ExpressVu promises free basic services after analogue to digital changeover, if CRTC rejects fee-for-carriage.
Sixth season hit of Canadian comedy Corner Gas to be its last.
"Raise a Ruckus for Radio Two" national day of action reflects surge in public opposition to announced changes to CBC Radio Two, dismantling of CBC Radio Orchestra.
Future of local grassroots community television hangs in balance at CRTC broadcast distribution hearings.
Columnist says CBC Television proposal to provide English-language coverage of Montreal Canadiens games during playoffs contrasts with complete lack of such coverage at other times.
Columnist claims cable and satellite subscribers will cancel or downgrade their subscriptions and pursue Internet and illegal grey market broadcasting services if fee-for-carriage proposal is adopted.
In spite of growth in subscriber base and revenue, satellite radio provider XM Canada continues to operate at a loss.
Bell Canada takes negative view of fee-for-carriage despite its ownership stake in CTV.
Despite opposition to fee-for-carriage as a cable distributor, Rogers says its own broadcasting operations will not opt out if fee-for-carriage is adopted by the CRTC.
FRIENDS presentation to the CRTC on possible regulation changes for Canada's cable and satellite industry.
FRIENDS says Canadians will pay more for less choice in Canadian TV if cable monopoly demands for all out de-regulation of TV distribution are granted.
Op-ed by Rogers vice-chairman outlines arguments against fee-for-carriage proposal.
Poll co-sponsored by FRIENDS finds two-thirds of Canadians trust the CRTC and expect the federal government to preserve Canadian identity and culture on television.
CRTC chair Konrad von Finckenstein questions Rogers assertion that fee-for-carriage would cause a consumer revolt, noting that annual fee increases have not decreased subscribers.
Goldman Sachs, new co-owner of Alliance Atlantis, sells international rights to some of Canada's best-known films and television shows to US distributor, despite bids by Canadians.
Canadian daily newspapers avoid steep revenue decline experienced in the US.
CTV television news quotes spokespersons from Rogers, CTV and FRIENDS on CRTC broadcast distribution hearings.
FRIENDS co-sponsored survey finds Canadians place a public trust on the federal government and its agencies to ensure Canadian identity and values are reflected on television.
FRIENDS releases joint poll showing Canadian subscribers believe reduction in regulatory "burden" sought by cable industry is likely to reduce choice in Canadian programs available on TV.
New survey shows Canadians regard the CRTC and the federal government as guardians of Canadian culture on TV, but don't trust that de-regulated cable and satellite companies would promote and deliver Canadian content on the small screen.
Rogers says it stands ready to challenge the decision if CRTC agrees to grant fee-for-carriage for conventional broadcasters.
More than half of Canadians believe Canada's TV production industry would not survive if cable and satellite industry were deregulated, says FRIENDS co-sponsored poll.
FRIENDS says CRTC television distribution rules give Canadians among the greatest choice of television programming in the world.
Pollara survey co-sponsored by FRIENDS shows three-quarters of Canadians believe less cable and satellite regulation would reduce Canadian program choice on TV.
FRIENDS is sceptical of big cable's prediction that fee-for-carriage would result in a loss of subscribers any more than the fee increases cable companies routinely levy.
Columnist says a controversial plan that would let top-rated U.S. cable networks such as HBO, ESPN and Nickelodeon into the Canadian market will be considered by broadcast regulators.
A Rogers Communications executive says the company conditionally favours the CRTC allowing more foreign television into Canada, but that ESPN coming to Canada is unlikely.
FRIENDS says if the proposed merger of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio in the United States goes ahead we will see the Canadian tail getting wagged by the American dog.
Columnist says the CRTC is considering whether U.S. networks that broadcast in Canada should have to pay for the creation of Canadian programs.
String of decisions by CBC management significantly diminish the public broadcaster's role in classical music.
Columnist says CBC's willingness to experiment with alternative forms of distribution is part of its mandate to make programming "available throughout Canada by the most appropriate and efficient means."
The CRTC is calling for further "discussion and validation" on regulating Canadian content on the Internet.
Global TV has ordered second seasons of Canadian series The Guard, The Best Years and 'da Kink in My Hair.
Article says the Canwest Emerging Writers Program and the Canwest Showrunner Training Program will nurture emerging writers in order to encourage the growth of the television series business in Canada.
FRIENDS research shows a widening gap between what private broadcasters are investing in Canadian television programing and what they are purchasing from foreign sources.
CTV says it will simulcast the 2008 Juno Awards across conventional TV, specialty TV, the Internet and radio.
The producer of CBC's 'Heartland' says he is happy with the level of promotion for the family drama - CBC executive says there will be less promotion for its second season.
Article looks at challenges and opportunities for independent producers working with a now merged CanWest/Alliance Atlantis.
FRIENDS says the Canadian broadcasting industry is addicted to simulcasting Hollywood programming.
The Writers Guild of Canada says broadcasters outside of Quebec spent 12.6 times more on foreign drama than they spent on similar Canadian productions.
Rogers say profit improvements in 2007 are "powerful evidence" that conventional broadcasters such as CTV, Global and the CBC don't need new fees from television distribution companies.
CRTC says Canadian private broadcasters spent $721.9 million on foreign programming in 2007; an increase of 4.9% over the $688.3 million spent in 2006.
CRTC data show Canada's private broadcasters increased their spending on foreign TV shows in 2007 and reduced spending on Canadian programming.
The Canadian Film and Television Production Association says an amendment to a federal tax credit program may devastate Canadian film and television production.
Columnist suggests that a Conservative bid to amend tax legislation for Canadian TV and movies demonstrates a lack of tolerance.
Humorist defends a proposed tax credit change for Canadian movies as Prime Minister Harper.
A Canadian cinema professor says Telefilm Canada already makes assessments about what to support with tax-dollar grants, so a Conservative government proposal would add another bureaucratic layer of censorship.
Editorial calls the broadening of the Conservative government's power to deny tax credits to films and TV shows it deems offensive "troubling".
Groups representing Canada's film and television producers say the government needs to explain the motivation behind a plan to deny tax credits to productions deemed to have offensive content.
Editorial says a new film tax-credit law may appeal to core Conservative voters, but it will alienate potential voters who don't want the country led by "social dinosaurs".
Columnist argues market forces should dictate how much Canadian music and how many emerging artists are heard on domestic radio stations.
Columnist looks at why, despite having a largely Canadian crew, a Canadian director, Canadian stars and being shot in Vancouver, Juno isn't up for any Genie Awards.
Toronto's $700-million 'one-stop-shopping movie factory' is set to be operational next month.
CTV executive claims the consolidation of media companies means broadcasters have to be leaner and more efficient in their operations and provide programming that appeals to the viewing public.
FRIENDS tells the CRTC that tinkering with TV regulations would most likely have long-term unintended and negative consequences that would undercut the stated objective of "ensuring a strong Canadian presence in the Canadian broadcasting system".
Shaw Communications says it will cut subscription rates for its customers if the CRTC ends mandatory contributions from cable and satellite companies to the CTF.
A study by McGill University professors concludes that between January 2004 and December 2006, CBC and CTV news reports were less negative towards the U.S. government and the Bush administration than reports on NBC.
FRIENDS tells the CRTC that financial disclosure is needed to ensure big media companies are living up to their Canadian content obligations.
The Canadian Film and Television Production Association says domestic production rose 3% to just under $5 billion from March 2006 to April 2007.
Columnist says that Canadians are watching more – and discussing more – Canadian-made television.
A new poll shows that 71% of Canadians believe it is important to have access to Canadian television programming distinct from American programs.
ACTRA says that the Hollywood writers' strike is providing Canadian producers, writers, directors and creators the opportunity to have their work exported to the U.S.
U.S. network CBS - beset by the writers' strike and falling television ratings - is buying the U.S. rights to a Canadian-made police drama, Flashpoint.
Canadian television producers say there is interest from U.S. networks in offering Canadian series south of the border.
Cindy Witten, former vice-president of content at History Television, has been hired as the National Film Board of Canada's director-general for English programs.
Columnist takes issue with FRIENDS' mandate to preserve a Canadian identity on television and radio and says there is nothing wrong with Canada and the U.S. sharing major cultural commonalities.
French-language television network TQS, which is under court protection from its creditors, has not yet received a bid from a potential buyer.
The investment arm of the Quebec government is expected to join Goldman Sachs with 49-per-cent stake in Canada's largest film distributor.
Toronto based Entertainment One is in talks to acquire the domestic assets of ThinkFilm, which has been offside of federal ownership regulations since it was bought by a U.S. business last year.
The president of Canadian Media Research says if Canadian cable and satellite companies charged premium prices for access to U.S. network stations it could fix majors problems with the domestic broadcasting system.
The CRTC has eased the access of U.S. border stations to the Canadian TV ad market by exempting domestic satellite TV operator Bell ExpressVu from a requirement to delete select American shows.
Canadian TV networks are set to roll out new shows as the Hollywood writers' strike has halted production on many primetime hits.
