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 Hollywood this week, on their habitual cross-border shopping spree”, said ACTRA national president Ferne Downey, in a statement. “We’re fed up with their previous performances which have pushed our Canadian programming further off the dial. They’ve been packing their schedules tight with U.S. programming and ready-to-go promotion packages while enjoying the benefit of protection from foreign competition. Let’s hope they surprise us with lots of Canadian programs at their upfronts.”
