Overview

This report uses Gemini Award data, the Canadian Media Quality Ratings Survey results and Nielsen Media Research audience data to examine the state of Canadian television.  Major findings include:

• Networks other than CBC are winning an increasing number of Gemini Awards, reflecting a shift in public funding away from the CBC, as well as CRTC incentives for private broadcasters to invest in Canadian programs. 
• Viewer data shows Canadians are more likely to watch Canadian networks than US networks and are more likely to value Canadian networks over others when asked to select a favourite broadcaster. 
• Viewer data also shows Canadian drama series are perceived to be comparable in quality to American shows. 
• Higher quality Canadian shows tend to attract equally large audiences. 

Despite the conventional belief that Canadians prefer American television, Canadian programming is popular and perceived to be high-quality.

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