ACTRA objects to Canadian broadcasters' "cross-border shopping spree"

TORONTO – As Canadian broadcasters shop for U.S. programming this week, ACTRA said that it will press for higher spending requirements for Canadian content and the imposition of exhibition requirements for Canadian programming during the 2011 licence renewal hearings.Noting that private broadcasters spent “a record amount” on U.S. and foreign shows in 2009 - $846.3 million, or 59% of all of their programming expenses, the organization said Friday that it blames the current CRTC policy for giving “Canadian broadcasters free rein on their exhibition of TV drama and doesn’t require that they air any of those programs”.“Our Canadian broadcasters are in...