FRIENDS' Comments on Copps' Feature Film ReportJan 21, 1999 For Immediate ReleaseFRIENDS recognizes the importance of enabling Canadians to make and view Canadian films – and we applaud the Heritage Ministry's interest in studying the issue. However, the evidence from past actions by this Government suggests that action by Ottawa translates into moving public funds away from public institutions like the CBC and the National Film Board and giving those resources to the private sector. These new proposals would take even more resources away from the CBC and translate into more cuts to local and regional programming, and also cuts to CBC radio. It is ironic that these proposals ignore the meagre financial contribution made by private broadcasters to Canadian content – at the very time that we read about the profits earned by CanWest Global being converted into acquisitions, not Canadian programming. The most recent CRTC data reveal that Canwest Global spent only 19% of its on-air revenues on Canadian programming. Hollywood has a lock on Canadian theatres, the private Canadian broadcasters are using profits for acquisitions. It doesn't follow that Ottawa should further erode the resources of the CBC and the NFB to solve the problem. Ottawa should be fighting harder to unlock the grip that Hollywood has on Canadian theatres, and demanding more from private broadcasters to invest in Canadian content. The problem won't be solved by a further erosion of public funds going to CBC or the NFB. – 30 – For information: Jim Thompson (613) 567-9592 Related LinksSee also: Background: The Road to Success: Feature Film Advisory Committee Report |
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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