CBC announced last week it will increase its investment in documentaries by $7 million and launch a free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel dedicated to documentary programming this fall.
CBC said the investment will support a range of documentary formats, including an increased number of feature-length films.
“This funding will create more opportunities for a diverse range of storytellers at all levels, from emerging digital creators to established filmmakers, by providing dedicated pathways and new initiatives designed to support the next generation of talent,” CBC said in a press release. More details will be announced at the Banff World Media Festival in June, it said.
The new FAST channel launching this fall will succeed the public broadcaster’s Documentary Channel linear specialty service, which will end broadcast on Aug. 31 “due to significant shifts in linear television consumption habits and declining subscribers”, CBC said.
“Our commitment to original Canadian documentary storytelling is stronger than ever,” Jennifer Dettman, executive director of unscripted content at CBC, said in the press release. “By increasing our investment, we are creating more opportunities for filmmakers at every stage of their careers and ensuring their remarkable stories reach even larger audiences. This new FAST channel allows us to modernize how we deliver high-quality documentaries, making it easier than ever for Canadians to discover the very best in home-grown storytelling.”
The new documentary FAST channel will join CBC’s growing slate of FAST channels, including a dedicated CBC Comedy channel, 15 CBC News streaming channels, and an advertising-free CBC Kids channel.
