The outgoing commissioner of the National Film Board of Canada thinks the federal government is close to choosing his successor.
British government license fee settlement far lower than called for by the BBC.
Douglas Barrett says Shaw's decision to withhold contributions to the Canadian Television Fund will have an immediate and dramatic impact on the Fund's ability to carry on operations.
Jim Shaw, Jr.'s letter to the Canadian Television Fund announcing the withdrawal of Shaw Communications' financial contribution.
Box office data released by Telefilm Canada shows that 2006 was a disappointing year for Canadian film.
The European Union Competition Commissioner has forced the German authorities to end illegal government aid to public broadcasters.
Filmmaker says Telefilm Canada is biased against Western filmmakers after losing a share of a $3.5-million production fund because of missing a deadline.
A CRTC decision on private radio states that CanCon quotas will stay the same for mainstream stations, but the industry must contribute more money to developing Canadian artists.
CRTC report says private radio stations won't have to increase the level of Canadian content they play, but the amount of money the industry pays to support domestic artists will increase.
The CRTC says it will establish a new approach to Canadian content development financed by the contributions of broadcasters, but will not increase Canadian content requirements.
The House of Commons standing committee on finance recommends the federal government increase funding to the Canada Council for the Arts to $300-million over two years.
CanWest Global Communications' $3-million corporate gift will enable the University of Winnipeg to establish the CanWest Centre for Theatre & Film.
A recount and commentary on the final day of the CRTC public hearings on over-the-air television policy, including the presentation made by FRIENDS.
Gemini Award winner says that by loosening the definition of priority programming in 1999, the CRTC ended the glory days of quality Canadian TV.
Article provides a guide to perceptions and realities in the Canadian television industry.
CTV and Quebecor want the limit of 12 commercial minutes per hour lifted, while Corus and the CBC oppose the idea.
The Canadian Film Centre's new strategic plan calls for multiplatform content, international co-production, an enhanced feature film program, and expanded training in interactive cinema.
Columnist says that the dismissive attitude shown by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters toward investment in Canadian content exhibits smugness and greed.
Telefilm Canada will spend $2-million to support the creation of Canadian video games.
The Executive Vice-President, CBC Television says the broadcaster's central challenge is to make more Canadian programming that more Canadians want to watch.
Telefilm Canada loses its director of English operations.
A U.S. music industry group wants Satellite Radio companies to pay at least 10 percent of their revenues for the right to play music.
One focus of the new money will be to support activities that increase public access to the arts, including touring, circulation and festivals.
The Canadian Television Fund uses broadcaster envelopes - dollars reserved for each broadcaster - to bring predictability to the funding system.
Q&A with Canadian Television Fund president Valerie Creighton.
The Canadian Television Fund looks back on ten years of financing television production in Canada.
The Canadian Film and Television Production Association want domestic broadcasters to increase license fees for commissioned Canadian TV series and to share rights for emerging digital content.
Federal MP's have voted to rescind the Harper government's cuts to the Museums Assistance Program.
Alberta Progressive Conservative leadership candidates pledge to boost support for cultural groups, performers, artists and the film and television industry.
CH, the first private television station in British Columbia, celebrates 50 years of broadcasting.
ThinkFilm acquisition by a U.S. conglomerate leaves Canadian films in doubt with no Telefilm Canada funding.
The funding changes aim to put more Canadian films, including documentaries, on the country's screens and increase audiences for them.
Telefilm Canada says box office achievements for Canadian films are driven largely by the success of Quebec's francophone sector.
In 2005, Canadian films surpassed Telefilm Canada's 5% target of the domestic box office.
Corner Gas, the Aspers and CBC's troubles mark the past 20 years in film and television in Canada.
CanWest Global Communications, CHUM, CTV and CBC want to charge cable companies a fee for carrying their signals.
Additional money will allow for the production of up to six new films in the province.
Telefilm Canada is seeing results from its controversial Canada Feature Film Fund aimed at increasing the box office share of Canadian movies.
Canada's music publishers are disappointed about the postponement of a Canadian Heritage funding program that promised to pump $1-million into the sector.
Canadian independent broadcasters express concern about the introduction of subscription fees for the over-the-air broadcasters, warning any reduction in fees paid to them will have drastic implications.
The Writers Guild of Canada wants CTV, Global and CHUM to increase the percentage of advertising revenues they spend on Canadian drama from 3.2 to 7 per cent.
Senior CBC management answer questions from Parliamentarians on issues such as local newscasts, new technologies, the CBC mandate, controversial programming decisions, and public broadcasting's place in the world.
Columnist says the McGuinty government should provide funding so Ontario filmmakers are on equal footing with those in Quebec.
Former president and CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio and YTV Canada has been appointed as the new chair of OMDC effective immediately.
FRIENDS recommendation to the Finance Committee states that the CBC's public funding should be increased in return for reducing, or eliminating its reliance on advertising revenues.
CFTPA recommends a more equitable production financing model that provides for adequate financing of Canadian programming.
FRIENDS predicts funding for Canadian programming will erode without a level playing field that ensures all those who deliver programming play by the same rules.
European film promoter urges Quebecois filmmakers to secure more broadcast financing to overcome a shortfall in government subsidies.
Local filmmakers say a shortfall in key government subsidies for indigenous movie scripts is threatening to stall a robust Quebec film industry.
The high loonie and competitive U.S. tax rates are sited as reasons for the small number of American producers choosing Toronto to shoot their films and TV series.
Article notes CHUM takeover proposal may affect analysis of proposed Bell Globemedia restructuring and whether the restructuring will trigger a benefits payment under CRTC rules.
The financial picture for the nation's 688 film, video and audio-visual producers improved in 2004 despite a substantial decline in production revenues.
Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda has declined to give the Quebec film industry $20-million to solve "production crisis".
Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda will talk with Quebec filmmakers to present "creative solutions" to an apparent funding crisis in the province's film industry.
The head of Quebec's association of filmmakers says Telefilm Canada should abandon its "commercial-bonus" system and Quebec's theatre owners should collect a portion of box office revenue for indigenous filmmakers.
Telefilm Canada has turned down several French-language Quebec projects due to a shortage of funding.
CBC management is delaying layoffs to in-house production staff at CBC Toronto until May 31, 2007.
Executive Summary of a report that will facilitate a Town Hall discussion on the future of Canadian television and Canadian television programming at the Banff World Television Festival.
Digital video recorders and commercial avoidance influence negotiation between television networks and advertisers over TV commercial prices.
Los Angeles' share of TV pilot season production fell 18% this year due to tax breaks and other incentives in Canada and other U.S. states.
The British government is looking to re-negotiate existing movie co-production agreements with Canada and other countries.
After meeting with broadcasters and arts and cultural representatives, the Federal Heritage Minister says a process to look at broadcasting and new technology will soon be announced.
Canadian performers' union condemns Canadian private broadcasters for spending on U.S. programs, including strategic purchases for programs they have no intention to air, at the expense of investment in Canadian programming.
Telefilm executive director Wayne Clarkson will attempt to revitalize English-language cinema personally after newly-appointed executive announced he will no longer accept the appointment.
Columnist examines complex world of English Canadian film financing.
Telefilm Canada's recently-appointed executive for English-language features announces he will be unable to accept the position.
Article says Canadian films are increasingly co-productions with foreign partners, featuring foreign actors in lead roles, and regarded as only nominally Canadian by cinemagoers.
Quebec film and television producers plan fall consultations on reallocation of revenues derived from distribution of film and television programming, in particular over new platforms; distributors said not to be contributing fair share of funds toward Canadian and Quebec production.
The Quebec bureau of cinema and television, officially created in 2005, has appointed senior officials drawn from Telefilm Canada and the Canadian Television Fund.
Transcript of comments by Liberal opposition critic for Canadian Heritage and responses by Conservative Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage concerning parliamentary grant to CBC and other aspects of Canadian cultural funding.
New technical standard making it possible for broadcasters to immobilize remote control during commercials, preventing channel-surfing during commercials or fast-forwarding through ads in taped programs, raises questions of consumer rights and the future of television program production funding.
Review of book that profiles how large U.S. conventional networks have responded to technological changes and shifts in audience.
Federal budget provides some arts funding, but amount not commensurate with what arts organizations say they need.
In an effort to bring new talent and ideas to Canadian series television, the Canadian Film Centre has launched a TV-pilot training program; some concepts may result in network series.
Table prepared by Canadian Media Research Inc. showing percentage of CBC airtime devoted to Canadian and foreign content by program type and by quarter in the 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06 broadcast years.
Columnist evaluates Telefilm, notes that appointment of new head 17 months ago has not eased fundamental challenges.
CBC President and CEO talks about changes in the broadcasting industry, the state of Canadian drama and CBC funding.
Canadian artists and arts organizations await Conservative budget to see if a Liberal plan to invest $342 million in the arts over three years will be honoured.
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation that would require satellite, cable and Internet broadcasters to pay fair market value for the performance of digital music and implement measures to prevent music theft.
Newly appointed Telefilm manager responsible for approving and funding English-language features acknowledges that English-language Canadian cinema needs to carve out greater market share; actress Sarah Polley praises Telefilm head.
CBC shuts down Toronto design operations, plans to contract out set design, set decoration, carpentry, paint shop, special effects, hair, costumes and props functions.
Days before the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs unsold advertising spots raise concerns of a CBC revenue shortfall.
Industry observers say Michael Jenkinson has his work cut out making English-Canadian films accessible to audiences and increasing Telefilm Canada's accountability.
SOCAN royalties for Canadian recording artists are increasing, but are not enough to allow musicians to earn a living through royalties alone.
Columnist praises CRTC decision on television delivered over mobile phones.
Telcos praise CRTC decision not to regulate television over mobile phones; ACTRA raises concerns about lack of requirements for Canadian content, production funding.
Charts prepared by Canadian Media Research Inc. showing audience share of Canadian vs. foreign drama series on English television from fall 2003 to fall 2005, and comparing audience for various types of Canadian vs. foreign programming on French and English television in the 2004/05 broadcast year.
Dave Forget, Telefilm Canada's new director of the television business unit, pledges to streamline the application and funding process.
CanWest posts loss, blames poor television ad sales and rising Canadian dollar.
FRIENDS supports the arguments in the joint submission of ACTRA, the Directors Guild of Canada and the Writers Guild of Canada that allowing Bell Globemedia to transfer ownership without payment of public benefits will create a significant and dangerous precedent; questions Bell Globemedia's reluctance to propose a benefits package consistent with that approved in BCE's year 2000 acquisition of CTV.
Quebec Film and Television Production Association opposes Bell Globemedia arguments that public benefits should not apply to its proposed ownership reorganization.
Columnist laments that Canadian broadcasters no longer broadcast Canadian drama series long enough for them to build a loyal audience.
Liberal opposition critic comments on key culture and heritage issues, urges Conservative government to conduct broad-based consultations in planned review of the CBC's mandate.
Public interest groups, including FRIENDS, identify alternative priority areas and policy direction for Stephen Harper's government.
CBC hires American film producer as head of arts and entertainment programming.
FRIENDS says public funding of Canadian content on private broadcasters helps finance spending spree on Hollywood fare; notes that spending by Canada’s private broadcasters on Canadian drama programs has decreased over the last three years, while spending on American drama has never been higher.
Canada's TV industry's collective revenue grew by about 4 per cent to $2.2-billion in 2005, of which just $587-million was spent to acquire Canadian programs.
Move by CBC to lease its downtown Toronto broadcast centre to pay for programming faces opposition.
CRTC publishes 2005 figures on Canadian television revenues and expenditures.
ACTRA condemns increase in Canadian private broadcasters' spending on U.S. programming.
Canada's exports in culture services fell for the first time in seven years in 2003, as foreign demand weakened for services in film and video, and advertising.
Quebecor cancels popular domestic Quebec television series for failing to meet ratings targets, suggests historically secure business model for local television production in Quebec may be in danger.
A deal involving CBS and Verizon Communications in the United States is expected to rekindle a fight in Canada over whether Canadian cable companies should pay domestic broadcasters whose signals they carry.
Report exposes UK cultural trade deficit in comedy and drama programming as British broadcasters spent £273 million bringing foreign shows into the UK while struggling to sell homegrown comedy and drama to the rest of the world.
Corporate donations credited with saving U.S public radio, allowing it to expand services, leading to significant increase in audience.
U.S. broadcasters are beginning to introduce brand placement/integration advertising in local news programming.
Digitally inserted product placement ads or "virtual ads" are a small but growing portion of ad revenue for CanWest's Global TV network
CBC's recent cancellation of three critically-acclaimed Canadian dramas called the beginning of the end for Canadian drama on English-language television.
Public broadcaster BBC told to focus on entertainment programming, but not chase ratings or copy successful programs from other broadcasters.
Overview of February 17, 2006 presentation by CBC Executive Vice-President of English Television, Richard Stursberg, to the Canadian Film and Television Producers Association.
President says CBC is "only partly" a public broadcaster; columnist notes that review of CBC mandate proposed by Heritage Minister would hold up CRTC licence renewal process.
CBC President admits CBC needs more drama shows, after cancelling three series; praises CBC mandate review mulled by new Heritage Minister prior to election.
CBC President praises idea of CBC mandate review; says CBC drama should be risk-taking, innovative.
Text of speech by CBC President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Rabinovitch, on the future of CBC.
CBC vice-president of English television, Richard Stursberg, defends CBC President's performance in face of criticism over cancellation of three drama series; announces ratings floor for new drama and documentary programs.
Producers confused by CBC presentation on drama expectations; columnist laments recent CBC drama cancellations, notes that Canadian shows on CTV have ratings advantage from adjacent U.S. programs that CBC does not have, rejects idea that CBC and private sector are competitors.
Government incentives credited with restoring appeal of Canada to U.S. film producers.
Columnist says in an age of media convergence, the CRTC should implement policies that fund creators regardless of distribution platform.
BBC announces significant boost in annual investment in the production and acquisition of domestic British movies.
Text of Toronto Star columnist's blog discussing the accuracy of data on the number of hours of prime time drama aired by CBC in comparison to CTV, updated to show that figures provided by CBC to counter data released by FRIENDS/ACTRA were misleading and do not allow an "apples to apples" comparison.
FRIENDS and ACTRA decry CBC's dismal performance in presenting Canadian drama series during prime time and call for CBC management to be held to account.
New statistics show film and television production increased 8% in Quebec in 2004-05, while it declined in the rest of Canada.
CBC Television unveils new process for developing and commissioning Canadian programming, identifies goals to include faster turn-around times for new program pitches and an improved ratio of programs developed to programs produced.
The Quebec government has ordered Tele-Quebec to cut a third of its workforce and move all of its Montreal production to the private sector.
FRIENDS responds to article criticizing CBC spending, notes that editorial independence from government and elected officials must be maintained to distinguish CBC as a public rather than a state broadcaster.
Ontario is extending a tax credit for foreign film productions in an effort to increase non-Canadian production activity in the province.
Expenditures on CBC Radio New Orleans benefit concert criticized; NDP Member of Parliament warns that CBC budget a focus of "budget trimmers" in the Conservative government.
CBC is reportedly negotiating with Google and Apple to allow downloads of its Canadian programming.
ACTRA criticizes failure of CRTC to impose positive obligations on private broadcasters to increase production and exhibition of Canadian drama.
CRTC sets targets for viewing and expenditure components of its drama incentive program.
Health Council of Canada report concludes Canada should strengthen restrictions on advertising of pharmaceuticals; pharmaceutical industry denies direct-to-consumer advertising is a priority.
CBC claims Turin Olympics most successful ever for advertising revenues.
FRIENDS comments on apparent Conservative election strategy concerning the CBC.
A Conservative government would preserve the "role" of national cultural institutions, but unclear whether it would maintain their funding.
Cultural issues receiving even shorter shrift than in the 2004 election; neither Liberals nor Conservatives respond to ACTRA questions concerning policy stance on culture.
Canadian actors call on federal parties to declare their stance on Canadian content, foreign ownership, production and public broadcasting funding.
Arts community appalled by the absence of discussion on arts and culture during leaders' debate, low profile of culture issues overall.
Opinion piece says that Canada's cultural subsidy and regulatory structure reflects the interests of the large commercial media conglomerates as opposed to those of Canada's creative class.
The fixed 2009 deadline for digital television conversion in the U.S. poses some serious problems for Canadian culture funding and regulation.
